I literally grew up in this field (my parents were both counselors) and was familiar with many of the concepts about which they would discuss from time to time. In addition, I became someone my friends could turn to when they were going through tough times. When it came time to decide on a career, counseling seemed like the most meaningful path to pursue because of my lived experiences up to that point.

I find that I work best with clients who have something to express and find value in coming to therapy. Nevertheless, I also work well with those who may be hesitant to express anything at all in the beginning. Therapeutic progress often takes time; trust must be built slowly and steadily. 

Therapy can be fun, enlightening, and lifechanging (speaking from my own experience as a client). Imagine being able to talk about nearly anything and everything, uncensored, with the undivided attention of someone who is supporting you through your own journey of discovery. It is a rare instance indeed that someone who enters therapy does not come away smiling on the other end.

You can rest assured that I will be "all ears" as we get to know each other throughout the early stages of therapy. My task is to build rapport with you as you start to "dump pieces of the puzzle on the table." It is worth clarifying that you can dump at your own pace during sessions. You can avoid dumping any pieces, dump some of the pieces, or dump the whole box; it's up to you! The goal during the early stages of therapy is to help you become comfortable expressing your own thoughts and feelings.

While she was living and working as a counselor, my mom always emphasized the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. In my own work as a counselor, I have tried to embody these values by being responsive and empathetic to clients’ concerns. Treating others with dignity and respect lays the foundation upon which healthy relationships can be built. In doing so, we create an environment in which meaningful and lasting change can take place.

As sessions progress and I get an idea of clients’ most important issues, I utilize various verbal and nonverbal techniques (e.g., word emphasis, facial expressions) to help them gain a greater sense of awareness. I refer to these techniques as “guided expression.” In doing so, I can help them uncover patterns in the “puzzles” unique to their own lives. For instance, some clients may not realize that their interactions with spouses can bear striking similarities to those they had with parents or siblings in the past. In these circumstances, I may discuss a summary of my observations or repeat a familiar phrase that reminds them of these past interactions. Regardless of the techniques I utilize, the end goal is to help them develop increased insight and awarenes.