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A multicultural heritage, travel, varied life experience, and previous engagement with difficult challenges facilitate empathizing with clients. An initial career in engineering and service in the United States Coast Guard provides a pragmatic perspective. Experience as a long-term caregiver reminds me how moments of vulnerability can occupy attention, impact the ability to cope effectively and inhibit achieving intentions. I have experienced loss, disappointment, and limitation. I can relate.
My approach
I approach psychotherapy pragmatically with an existential/humanistic emphasis. Focusing on the present situations affecting thought, mood, and behavior. The past is introduced. The top modalities are CBT, Narrative, and Solution Focused.
My focus
I work effectively with clients seeking to move beyond previous negative experiences or current situational stressors and develop healthy coping skills. I can relate to many life challenges impacting thought, mood, and behavior.
My communication style
Warm and inviting, engaging with presence incorporating active listening skills, open-mindedness, and remembrance of suffering. An intention is set to connect and attune through empathy and relatedness to everyday human needs and desires.
My journey to mental healthcare
Six intense years as the primary caregiver for a parent led to switching careers from civil engineering to mental health. Received seven years of training and practicing in Mind-Body modalities such as kinesiology, aroma, and vibrational therapies before becoming a counseling psychology therapist. I have worked in various settings with different populations through hospice & palliative care organizations, chronic and life-limiting care centers, serious mental illness wards, and county jail-based programs.
My goals for you
Therapeutic goals are often determined collaboratively. Successful care is measured by the reduction of unwanted symptoms, increased self-esteem, a sense of agency, and a heightened sense of care towards self, others, and meaningful endeavors.
My first session with you
Clients are invited to share through questions like 'what motivates you to try therapy now?' Requesting details on presenting issues are asked to clarify. The past enters the session to the degree it impacts current stressors and symptoms.
