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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Hawaii and Florida. I completed my degree in social work at the University of Central Florida. My goal is to create a trusting therapeutic relationship, built on mutual respect and confidentiality, where individuals feel heard, validated, and supported.
My approach
My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, where I believe that each person has unique strengths and abilities to overcome their difficulties. By fostering a non-judgmental and empathetic environment, I work collaboratively with my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
My focus
I have completed multiple dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-focused CBT trainings. Different issues I have experience with are bipolar, BPD, PTSD, conduct disorder, ASD, dual-diagnosis, complex trauma, and commercial exploitation. Much of my experience is with children and adolescents but over the past year, I have also begun working with veterans.
My communication style
I make attempts to work with my clients as a teammate or as a support person. While working with clients, I like to create a safe and non-judgmental space that allows me to actively listen, empathize, and validate. I utilize open-ended questions, reflective responses, and active engagement to foster a deep understanding of the client's thoughts, emotions, and struggles. This style allows for effective exploration and collaboration, promoting personal growth, healing, and positive change.
My journey to mental healthcare
I began as a mental health technician working with youth who were diagnosed with dual-diagnosis. Since then, I have facilitated anger management, dialectical behavior therapy, and STRIVE groups. I also have experience with couples, family, and individual therapy. In addition, over the last year, I have begun working with veterans. I aim to provide practical tools to empower my clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
My goals for you
I use a collaborative approach when working with a client to set goals for therapy. This allows the client to identify their desired outcomes and develop realistic and achievable goals. Together, we explore the client's strengths, challenges, and values to create a personalized treatment plan. This collaborative approach empowers the client to take an active role in their healing process and fosters a sense of ownership and motivation towards achieving their goals.
My first session with you
The first session is utilized for the client to ask questions and identify concerns. The client is also encouraged to share any personal history they are comfortable with sharing. We discuss the benefits and limitations of therapy to provide a realistic view of therapy. Personal goals are explored to begin developing the treatment plan.
