My Counseling Approach and Philosophy

I see our work together as a team effort. Each client I see has his or her own story and unique perspective on that story, and I believe that within that story are the seeds to healing. My approach to helping my clients is in seeing each of my clients as a whole person who is struggling with something, whether it is anxiety, depression, relationships issues, substance abuse, communication, parenting, trauma, etc. Most often, it is how we perceive a situation or a struggle that defines how we deal with it or respond to it. I hope that I can help you with whatever your struggle may be, and to help you rewrite your story. My favorite book of all time is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. One of the many wonderful things he says in that book is "When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves."

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More Info About my Practice

I have been working in mental health in some capacity since 1992. I have worked in domestic violence, psychoeducation, in home therapy, community support services, mentoring, substance abuse, individual, group, family, couples, foster care, children's residential care & working with teens involved in the Department of Juvenile Justice system. In the past I have offered a group for teen girls with anxiety, depression, and self harm.  I currently work in private practice in Carrollton, GA. I accept a limited number of insurance as well as EAPs. In addition, I provide health and wellness coaching to individuals who would like to make lifestyle changes, meet health and wellness goals or who are working with another mental healthcare provider around severe depression, menopause/perimenopause, post partum depression,  bipolar disorder or addiction and would like some support in creating healthier habits to support their mental health recovery. 

Specific Issues I'm Skilled at Helping With

I work with all sorts of populations, but I particularly feel that my strengths lie in working with young adults, adults, , teens, parenting issues, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, integrative mental health and anyone going through a challenging life transition, spiritual or existential crisis. I also work with clients who are seeking health and wellness coaching and lifestyle changes. 

What Types of Treatment I Offer (My Treatment Approach)

Based on my education, training, and experience, I primarily work from a Humanistic & Person Center perspective, influenced by Existential, Stoic, Transpersonal, Buddhist, and Christian perspectives. My academic background includes Humanistic/Transpersonal Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Supervision, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. I find various treatment approaches valuable, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Biofeedback, Hakomi Body Centered Mindfulness Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Integral Psychotherapy, Integrative Mental Health, Adlerian Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Logotherapy. I recently completed training in EFT & TFT (tapping) for anxiety and panic attacks. I’m certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider through the International Trauma Training Institute. I’m also a Clinical Supervisor (CPCS) certified by my state’s professional organization 

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy can help people work through life issues such as relationships, communication, guilt, shame, depression, feeling overwhelmed, parenting, anxiety, weight loss, making significant changes, dealing with loss, life changes and much more. Having a third party to listen in an objective but caring way to help you find clarity, new tools, life skills, and perspective. Sometimes we just need someone to listen  What to Expect at Your First Therapy Appointment

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help in various ways. As a trained counselor and psychologist, I understand the challenges people face. It’s beneficial to have someone who can listen, provide solutions, offer perspective, and facilitate discussions about personal struggles. Talking through these issues can alleviate burdens and bring clarity. I view my role as a sacred space where clients can explore profound questions like living a meaningful life, finding purpose, understanding love, suffering, and the causes of bad events. I also consider psychotherapy as “Applied Philosophy” that addresses these complex issues.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I love being a Psychotherapist because I honor my clients’ stories. I learn from them daily, and I hope they learn from me. I’m amazed by their strength and courage. I’m honored to be invited into their stories and asked for guidance. I love sharing my humanity with them and experiencing theirs.

What are the Requirements to Become a Psychotherapist? 

LPCs, are the lowest-paid, yet highest-educated healthcare professionals outside medical degrees or doctorates, An LPC candidate must have a Master’s degree in Professional Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Applied Psychology through a 60-hour CACREP-accredited masters program (the average Master’s degree program is 35-45 hours). They must also pass a national clinical mental health counseling exam, complete 2 semester-long, unpaid clinical internships totaling 600 hours, and 2 years of clinical supervision as an Associate Professional Counselor (APC). APCs cannot accept most insurance, so they must accept a sliding scale or lower pay than licensed independent counselors. Licensed APCs and LPCs must also complete 35 hours of continuing education every 2 years for renewal of licensure as well as seek out additional certifications and specialty trainings which also require ongoing continuing education.. I have over 15 years of clinical mental health experience and am certified as a Professional Counselor Supervisor, requiring an additional training of 24 hours and 12 hours of ongoing continuing education every 2 years. I also have additional specialty training in trauma and CPTSD, working with first responders, disaster mental health, screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) training for substance abuse, and extensive education and training (including an additional Master of Science degree) in integrative health and wellness coaching, which includes training in what is known as lifestyle medicine. 

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