I am an exceptional mental health therapist known for my expertise in trauma-informed care and healing. With extensive training and experience in helping individuals overcome the effects of trauma, I bring a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to my practice. Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of trauma's impact, I guide clients towards healing, resilience, and renewed hope.
Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As a skilled mental health therapist, I am committed to empowering individuals to overcome challenges, embrace their strengths, and unleash their full potential. With a supportive and empowering approach, I create an atmosphere that generates excitement and ignites the spark for positive change.
Discover the power of holistic counseling.
With a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, I go beyond traditional therapy to help individuals achieve overall wellness and balance. By integrating various therapeutic modalities and practices, I offer a unique counseling experience that grabs interest and opens doors to profound personal transformation.
I am delighted that you have selected me as your counselor. This page aims to provide you with information about my qualifications and experience while ensuring a clear understanding of our professional relationship. Please don't hesitate to share any questions, comments, or concerns you may have before our session begins. Additionally, I would like to share more about my background and areas of expertise to help you determine if we would work well together.
I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University in June 2005. It was during my introduction to the mental health field in August 2006 that I discovered my true passion and calling. I dedicated several years to serving the mental health population, but I soon realized my desire to offer more comprehensive clinical support. Consequently, I pursued a Master of Science Degree in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling, which I successfully obtained in July 2013. I am proud to hold licenses as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC - 12098) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS - 3567).
Over the past 9 years, my counseling journey has been incredibly fulfilling. Currently, I specialize in working with adults who face severe and persistent mental health challenges. Within this role, I guide individuals in developing coping skills, managing stress, and processing unresolved trauma. My aim is to instill hope and offer unwavering encouragement as they navigate their present and past struggles. Previously, I dedicated my efforts to assisting children (from birth to 6 years of age) and their families who had experienced life-altering situations. Through the implementation of dyadic and play therapy techniques, specifically Child-Parent Psychotherapeutic interventions, I actively worked to strengthen relationships, process trauma, and stabilize families. Moreover, I have provided counseling services to adolescents and adults with a broad range of concerns including general mental health issues, substance use disorders, and challenges within marital and family relationships. Despite my extensive experience, I remain mindful that there is always more to learn. When necessary, I refer individuals to other mental health professionals who can provide specialized support.
I strongly believe that providing individuals with sufficient information and understanding about the process of counseling enables them to make better decisions. Allow me to share my perspective on counseling and therapy, as I perceive and practice it:
Therapeutic counseling requires your active involvement, encompassing your commitment to making positive changes in self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is essential for you to be engaged both during our counseling sessions and in your personal efforts outside of them. While there are no quick fixes or passive solutions, such as "magic pills," there is an opportunity for ongoing personal and spiritual growth that can be achieved through your conscious efforts. This may involve completing homework assignments and engaging in other projects. For counseling to be successful, it is often necessary to focus on enhancing stress management, improving cognitions (including beliefs and thought processes), nurturing emotional well-being, cultivating healthier relationships, and fostering positive lifestyle choices. While some changes may come more easily, it is more common for change to require significant effort, time, and persistence.
By actively participating in the counseling process and embracing the necessary personal growth, you have the potential to make profound positive changes in your life.
I employ an eclectic counseling approach that draws from various therapeutic theories. The foundation of my practice is rooted in Rogerian person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and behavioral counseling approaches. These therapeutic methods have been extensively researched, widely recognized, and highly respected within the field. By incorporating the strengths of these well-established approaches, I strive to provide you with a comprehensive and effective counseling experience.