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 and I sometimes offer a sliding scale.

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 or existential crisis.

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. My approach is also heavily informed by various Existential, Stoic & Transpersonal perspectives along with Buddhist philosophy & practices, as well as  Christian beliefs. I have an academic  background not only in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Supervision, but also in Philosophy and Religious Studies. In terms of Philosophy, I am particularly fond of Stoicism, Phenomenology & Existentialism. I have found a variety of treatment approaches to be extremely valuable to my clients depending upon their specific needs: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Biofeedback, Hakomi Body Centered Mindfulness Based Therapy, as well as Motivational Interviewing, , Integral Psychotherapy, Integrative Mental Health, Adlerian Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Logotherapy.  I have attended extensive training, and I am certified through the International Trauma Training Institute as a Clinical Trauma Professional, as well as a certification as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider. Finally, I have certification through my state's professional organization (LPCA-GA) as a Clinical Supervisor (CPCS) as well. I am also currently in the process of gaining certification in Nutritional Psychology through The Center for Nutritional Psychology. 

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

I think Psychotherapy can help in a variety of ways. I am a trained professional in the art and science of Counseling and Psychology, but I am also a person who struggles from time to time as well. It helps to have someone who can listen, help find solutions, give perspective, talk through, and work through whatever your struggle may be. Talking through these things can help lighten what has felt like a burden for a long time. I am privileged to step into the lives of my clients, and I see it as a sacred place to be. In many ways, I see Psychotherapy as "Applied Philosophy" as well as Psychology and Psychotherapy. I have the privilege of spending my time with clients pondering the big questions such as, "How do I live a meaningful life?", "Why should I get out of bed each day?","What is love?", "What is suffering?", "Why do bad things happen?", "What is joy vs. happiness?", "How do I live with pain, loss and illness?"

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I love being a Psychotherapist because I have the honor of hearing my clients stories. Each day I learn something new from clients and I hope that they are learning from me as well. Every day I am amazed at the strength and courage my clients have shown in their lives. I am honored to be invited into those stories and asked for guidance and clarity. I love sharing my human-ness with my clients and in turn experiencing theirs.