My philosophy of Counseling is very eclectic. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach, but instead I choose to blend elements from different counseling theories and tailer my patients’ treatment to their individual needs and therapeutic goals. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with many of my patients and have found that changing an individual’s negative thought patterns will result in them changing how they feel and what they do. I also draw from the Person-Centered counseling theory and believe that individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, behavior, and attitudes towards others. When counseling children many times I incorporate play therapy and find this technique to be very effective. Most importantly, I place strong emphasis on building trust with all of my patients. Demonstrating empathy and showing that I care are of the highest importance to me whether my patient be 3 or 93.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults.
My desire would be that from the moment a person walks through the door that they would feel welcomed, cared for, and not judged. I recognize that reaching out for help isn’t easy and takes a great deal of courage. For children, I do my best to connect on their level and simply to be their friend. I utilize various tools such as play, art, and therapeutic games and as children feel more comfortable with me, I offer them a safe place to explore emotions and identify new ways to cope. I teach children life skills that they can apply to their everyday life at home, at school, and in public. Sometimes this requires the parents or guardians to also participate in therapy sessions with their children. For adolescents and adults in therapy, I take time to learn their stories. I help them find healing through talk therapy, writing, and providing education. Most importantly, I want everyone to feel heard and to experience healing from the past, peace in the present, and hope in the future.
I feel like I’ve been blessed with the gift of mercy and along with that has come a spiritual calling to help people in need. Also, I have been on the receiving end of help and know what it’s like to experience healing and transformation. I want to help others find their own healing.
I am fairly new to South Carolina. One of the main reasons that I relocated to the area was to live closer to family. Originally, I’m from the mountains of West Virginia, but I’ve also called the states of Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, and Florida home. I am enjoying being a “South Carolinian” and have been blessed to be on the receiving end of genuine Southern Hospitality! I have two very spoiled and much-loved fur babies and in my free time enjoy walking, being outdoors, going to the beach, and movies.
A movie that came out in the mid-nineties (before Brad Pitt was a household name!) called “Legends of the Fall”. This movie is a great blend of drama, romance, and suspense. It is a story about complicated relationships, love, betrayal, and loss. Word of advice: Make sure you have the tissues ready!
This is a toss-up. I would either be a journalist and write “feel good” stories or I would buy a bunch of land and run an Animal Sanctuary where animals who need a home could come and find exactly that.
