I felt, I could make a difference. I felt that I could help individuals to reach their goals and to learn how to live a productive life and be able to weather storms that come into their lives. I wanted individuals to know that there was another chance, in the midst of them having used their 2nd chance.

I think all, in that adult range, men and women.

There is help out there. Don't let the stigma, that you hear about, prevent you from getting the help you need. It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, recognizing that you need help and the willingness to seek the help

I meet each individual where they are, with an open mind. In that initial session, I will have conversations with them about what brought them here, what are the wanting and what they hope to gain. Those initial conversations will guide where they want to go and together, we will come up with goals to get them there. The early stages of therapy will be about discovery and we will be flexible; what bought them in, may be the presenting problem but not be the underlaying problem.

I have struggled with loss, grief and abuse. I bring that with me and the knowledge and experience that holds you down now, does not have to hold you down forever. I believe in treating people with respect and honoring their story. I believe in the importance of accountability and another chance. I don't judge; I try to encourage. I will highlight the positives and for those times that goals are not met, to look at the lessons, from those incidents and reevaluate new goals and directions. I will emphasize that it is not about perfection but progress.

By meeting the individual where they are. Truly meeting them where they are! It is not the expectation that they come and meet me where I am but I meet them where they are. I have conversations to determine what their needs are. I listen to understand and not respond.