I am a 2008 graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, and in 2012, I completed my Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University.
I have been a mental health professional for 5 years. The foundation of my counseling is built on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic (CBT) approach with an emphasis on Motivational Interviewing and Gestalt techniques. I believe that therapy is a partnership with my client wherein we co-create a plan of action for addressing issues and reaching positive outcomes. I have worked with both adolescents and adults who experience a variety of mental health and addiction issues. My focus is developing a therapeutic alliance and setting clear boundaries and expectations. This is essential to success in therapy. To work with a therapist is like asking to be “spotted” while doing a bench press. The client feels the stress of daily life, thus trying to push the weight off his/her chest. With therapy, clients can increase their capacity and feel empowered to cope with the stresses of daily life.
As a potential client, working with a therapist may be the hardest emotional journey on which you find yourself. Human beings have a tendency to avoid the big issues that are affecting our lives. We live in a society where it appears more “efficient” to push aside, or sweep under the rug, anything that may slow us down or give the appearance that we are vulnerable. As a therapist, I encourage clients to look at the difficult issues and challenge themselves to press forward into a more positive outlook and healthier life path.
My own journey and experiences have allowed me to become an expert in many treatment modalities. Not only do I tailor each experience based on the client’s individual needs, but I also incorporate intervention into both my group and individual process and emphasize the development of healthy, useful life skills.
To begin therapy takes courage, patience and dedication to live an emotionally healthy lifestyle. It is my duty to serve as a guide offering insight, options and support while on this challenging journey. In return, my expectation is that a client will “own” their process. They will be on time, be open to exploration of their thoughts and feelings, and be willing to implement change.
As a student of human behavior, it is important that we never stop learning. Never stop progressing. Never stop challenging ourselves to be constantly evolving.