ABOUT
ME
Who Am I?
I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend; an amateur athlete, dancer, artist and yoga practitioner. You can expect me to be irreverent, deeply caring and direct. I am a grounded, solid person who"practices what I preach." I see my role as a collaborator and guide and we will use a pragmatic, "what works" approach.
Over the span of several decades, I have worked in both Residential and Outpatient care for children, adolescents and adults experiencing severe mental health problems. I have advanced training and certification in Addictions. In addition, I have the highest qualification and training possible as a Board Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy practitioner.
Qualifications
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor
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DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™
Certifications
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Certified Addictions Professional
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Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
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Qualified Clinical Supervisor
For parents
We bring our children to counseling because we want things to improve. We want them to make it to adulthood safe, healthy and happy. We want to see our children content and thriving.
The actual problems can vary from mild to severe. For example, you might notice your son or daughter become less talkative, is spending more time alone or is missing that "spark" in their eyes. Some parents are challenged by a teen who becomes irritable and angry all the time, doesn't want to go to school or might be abusing drugs, alcohol or food.
Research indicates that counseling intervention during adolescence, when many symptoms of psychological problems first appear, may prevent more severe mental health conditions from developing.
Some common parental concerns are:
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Problems with friends, school and/or legal system
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Increasing conflict at home
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Being stressed out and worried most of the time
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Becoming withdrawn and chronically sad​
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Persistent anxiety
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Misuse of alcohol, drugs and food
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Excessive, explosive anger and defiance
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Confusion and conflict about developing sexual identity
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Child is hurting themselves on purpose, such as "cutting" or burning their body
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Doing things that put their physical health at risk, such as: risky sexual behavior, refusal to eat, purging or excessive exercise
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Thinking life is not worth living
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Suicide threats or attempts
What to expect?
You can choose to begin by scheduling a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with me to discuss your situation and how to proceed. Or, you may prefer to immediately make an appointment for an initial consultation. During initial consultation, I will meet with both you and your child to discuss your situation, decide whether we want to work together and begin to set goals and a treatment plan. We will also discuss my fees and any out of network insurance reimbursement to which you may be entitled. Counseling is not expected to last "forever." Every person is unique and sees results at a different pace. We will talk about the expected duration of therapy and what commitments you are willing to make. Progress is discussed each week. If counseling does not seem to be working or you are not satisfied with my services, I will help you find an alternative.
Why Bring My Child to Counseling?
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Why come to Counseling?
You might come to counseling because your parents, teachers or friends think there is a problem. Many times, people feel like they are being forced to participate in therapy. Or, maybe there is something that is bothering you. Sometimes, everybody involved agrees things could be better and want life to improve.
Common reasons young adults come to see me:
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Need help "figuring things out"
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Problems with friends and family
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Needing to talk to someone about your sexuality
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Being stressed out and worried most of the time
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Misuse of alcohol, drugs and food
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Getting into trouble at school, at home or with the police
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Feeling alone, like no one understands
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Being very angry or sad much of the time
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Emotions that feel out of control
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Thinking and feeling that life is not worth living and nothing matters
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Hurting yourself such as "cutting"or burning, or having urges to do so
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Doing things that put your physical health at risk: like risky sexual behavior, refusing to eat, purging food or excessive exercise