As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), my focus and passion is working with individuals who want to become the best version of themselves. People often feel challenged seeking mental health counseling because they cannot physically “see” the obstacle in their path. Seeking medical help when presented with a physical illness often seems less daunting and more socially acceptable. The problem with that misconception is that our mental/emotional well-being directly impacts us physically as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My goal as a therapist is to see, hear, and embrace life’s path. My focus is to advocate for my clients in defining goals, identifying obstacles, accepting life’s daily challenges, and becoming the healthiest version of themselves. 

 

I have been in practice for over 20 years. I completed my Master’s degree from St John’s  University in 2003. My passion is working with young adults as a cohort on their journey through life. My goal is that they love themselves first and foremost, challenge their choices, and develop healthy and practical coping skills to combat life’s stressors. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with adolescents and young adults as well as their families, with a primary focus on addictive behavior and co-occurring disorders. I practice a person-centered approach to therapy while incorporating techniques associated with, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. 

 

When a person’s belief system is compromised because of irrational thoughts, fears, insecurities, etc., my approach is to educate them that our thoughts and feelings do not define us as individuals. I often reference the quote, “Our feelings are not facts; the only fact is that we have feelings,” meaning just because we feel it, doesn’t mean that it is our truth. As I am an individual who happens to be a Mental Health Therapist, I believe that “the only way out is through.”. Robert Frost’s concise words reference that life is full of challenges and obstacles; however, the only way to successfully overcome them is to address them directly while avoiding self-medicating or relying on self-sabotaging behaviors. My goal is to empower my clients to see their potential, embrace themselves for who they are, practice acceptance, and understand that we are all perfectly imperfect humans.