Education & Experience
I received my Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and also an Education Specialist degree from Gardner-Webb University in August 2009. My area of special interest and experience is working with children and their families. I have over ten years of experience which includes working with groups, individuals, families, couples, adolescents, children, chemically dependent individuals and their families, and the dually diagnosed. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, license #9040, in the state of North Carolina.
Counseling Philosophy
As a counselor I have the passion and conviction for the profession of counseling. As a counselor I stay abreast with current research and I look for new and effective treatments to utilize with the clients I serve. I provide the opportunity for growth and self-discovery in the context of a safe, supportive, and therapeutic relationship. As a counselor I utilize good communications skill which includes being able to speak to the client and being able to listen to the client. As a counselor I believe that listening is very important and everyone deserves to feel heard. Each client comes to therapy with a story and as a counselor I sincerely want to hear the story. Clients come to me with the valleys of life and I help them climb the mountain. I provide temporary support for the client and assist with developing skills to climb the mountain. During the therapeutic relationship I watch as confidence is developed by the client. As a counselor I am supportive of the client when it is time to terminate from therapy and continue without the counselor. The theory that guides my approach to counseling is Cognitive Behavioral which means that I work collaboratively with the client to identify how his or her thoughts and beliefs impact his or her feelings and behaviors. As a counselor I hold myself to high legal and ethical standards. As I counselor I strive to provide consistent quality therapy to assist the client with the valleys of life.
Together we will decide on the amount of sessions needed to achieve your goals. After our initial meeting I may ask you to visit a physician to rule out any biological causes for your distress before continuing forward in the counseling process. In the case of issues or concerns beyond my scope of competence, I will make every effort to refer you to more qualified professionals.