I decided to become a mental health professional when I was teaching primary grades right out of my undergraduate college degree. I became interested in children's emotions and thoughts. I remember asking a first grade student, "What do you think a thought is?" She said, "it is a picture in your head." I recognized that the feedback we get from people early on, teachers, parents, coaches, friends, family for the most part, contribute to how one forms opinions about what they can and cannot do. Frequently, the feedback provides misconceptions and confusion as one is in the process of growing up. I was fascinated by what the human brain is capable of doing. I wanted to explore for myself what everyone can do if they begin to believe in themselves rather than believe what others are telling a person about who they are and who they may become which often, is inaccurate.

I work best with people who earnestly want to let go of what may be hurting them or holding them back from meeting their physical or psychological challenges. Anger is such a big part of what keeps one from moving forward in problem solving and often, getting to what is creating a roadblock; anger, shame, guilt is the first priority in therapy. I work well with anyone who wants to understand themselves better, individually or as a couple, family. I enjoy working with all ages and creating trust is essential in moving forward in the therapeutic relationship.

Enjoy working with adult women, men and adolescents. Even though I have worked with all ages and multi-cultural populations, I am eager to work with people who want to get the most out of a therapeutic, trusting relationship where the focus is on meeting the challenges clients are faced with.

One thing I wish all clients knew is that it doesn't matter what others think of you. What is more important is that you like and believe in yourself. If you have these qualities you can achieve whatever goals, dreams, you decide to focus on and pursue. The task becomes "cleansing" oneself of negative thought patterns, assumptions about oneself in order to become the best version of who you are and want to become.

I chose Thriveworks over other platforms because they demonstrate concern for clinicians by providing clinical support, a supportive atmosphere and a positive communication style in all levels of the organization. This fosters a non-judgmental style in which clinicians can provide to clients best practice when delivering therapy to meet their needs. I believe in the "trickle down effect" in management style. Leaders in an organization create the work climate that is so essential for developing positive relationships.

I feel inspired by others who possess a positive attitude towards problem solving. Life has many ups and downs and those who can develop some resilience to the challenges, issues of living have an edge. It is a life skill when one can move forward by discovering what needs to occur in resolving whatever may be holding them back. Therapy can help one to determine what is the roadblock to feeling more personal success.

Clients can expect to be greeted with sincere interest in what they are presenting as a primary problem. I portray a non-judgmental response by first just listening, focusing on developing trust and rapport so that they will not feel inhibited in their first encounter with me as their therapist. It is knowing we all want to be understood, accepted and validated for whatever challenge we may be facing.

In the first session, I want to accomplish a definition of the presenting problem, what goals for therapy the client wants to achieve, what may be the initial emotional status the client may be demonstrating and how comfortable they are in the therapy session.

I want clients to know that I am easy to talk to. I come across as warm and open minded, flexible and non-judgmental. Opening up to a stranger about personal issues in one's life is difficult for many people. I try to lessen any anxiety the client may be feeling by showing an unwavering interest in all they have to say and validating their concerns.

In the time off from work I take my dog for long walks in the woods. Try to immerse myself in nature as much as possible through camping, hiking. In the summer, like to stay in cabins in the woods and in winter, go skiing and enjoy winter sports. I like to laugh and enjoy the moment I am in. I like to read a lot, write, spend time with family and cook and bake.

I like to laugh, enjoy being with friends and family. I maintain a positive attitude on a daily basis through meditation, exercise and remaining active; walking, focusing on positive thoughts and looking for the positive things in life and people. It's important to stay away from negative influences; people who are difficult, dismissive, angry.

I saw a young adult who was married for one year. She became angry when she drank more than one alcoholic beverage. Through exploring her past, it was discovered she had a dysfunctional childhood. Parents were divorced. She lived sometimes with her father and other times with her mother. There was childhood chaos with sometimes police involvement. Was blamed for everything that went wrong as a child growing up. It was determined that she had repressed anger from her childhood that would surface when she drank alcohol excessively. Focused on developing coping skills for anger management. Not drinking alcohol. Journaling to capture scenarios that surfaced from her past as a way to let them go. Using coping skills of meditation, mindfulness CBT and anger management to improve trauma from the past.