About

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, with over 7 years of Master's level counseling experience and a total of 20 years in the mental health and social work field. I have worked for many different types of organizations and learned various skills from both my professional and personal experiences. A few areas of special interests include Depressive/Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety/Phobia/OCD Disorders, Trauma Work/PTSD, Adjustment/Life Transition Issues, Relationship/Codependency Issues, Chronic Pain/Health Issues, LGBTQ Issues, Adult Child of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families work, Self Esteem/Self Love Issues, Binge Eating Disorder, and Divorce/Breakup Recovery, specifically from a Narcissistic or Addicted/Compulsive romantic partner/spouse. I am unable to treat "Cluster B" Personality Disorders, such as Borderline Personality, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Antisocial Personality Disorders at this time; however, I am able to work with families or loved ones to help navigate these types of relationships and set appropriate boundaries. Similarly, I help individuals who need recovery from an emotionally/verbally/physically/sexually abusive or neglectful person. I will treat Substance Abuse issues only after the client has completed a detox/inpatient/outpatient program to help maintain long term sobriety. I am unable to treat people in active addiction who are currently using substances, with the exception of Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT), such as Suboxone or Methadone, as I recommend one of the higher levels of care I mentioned previously. I am also well versed in various 12 Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA), and Celebrate Recovery. I may recommend one of these programs to supplement our therapy with a support network. I am unable to work with Child/Adolescent issues if you are in need of parenting help or have concerns about your minor children. I only know basic behavior modification for Adolescents ages 12-17, so it might be better to choose a Therapist who specializes in Child/Adolescent issues if you are in need of help in this area.

I use several different therapeutic approaches, since I don't believe in a "one size fits all" solution. Everyone has different needs, and I enjoy working with you to create specific treatment goals. In addition to the various treatment approaches listed on my profile, I do incorporate an overall Holistic approach, involving mind, body, and spirit. I am a Christian Counselor; however, I only incorporate your spiritual beliefs into the sessions to the extent you desire. For LGBTQ clients, I use an affirming approach, rather than condemning. I do not "straighten" anyone out. You do not have to be a Christian for me to work with you, as I respect everyone's desire or lack thereof to incorporate spirituality into the sessions. I am a big believer in the use of Bibliography and Psychoeducation, which refers to printed, audio, and/or video resources to aid in the education of specific issues you are dealing with. Overall, the most important thing is that we work together to develop a strong therapeutic alliance with each other!