Our walk together
After all the required paperwork, we begin building a relationship where you will experience unconditional compassion. I strive to build an atmosphere of trust and will never force you to reveal more than you are willing. The work can still be done without having to speak about situations or emotions you are not ready to express.
Your comfort and safety are my priority. Creating this foundation allows us to move more deeply into the therapeutic process, ultimately leading to healing. I will regularly check-in with you to make sure we are steadily moving forward and that you are not feeling overwhelmed.
Making changes may feel uncomfortable at times, but trust that I will be there with you every step of the way.
Your goals will be my goals. I encourage you to let me know if you feel as though anything is “off” in any way. I will never get offended, invalidate you for expressing your feelings, or get defensive. Some of the best work can be done here! And, most importantly, not everyone is alike.
You may want your sessions to flow in a different way than someone else, and respecting your preferences is of the utmost importance with me. I will work to make therapy fit you. That is what matters most. I end this section with a beautiful quote:
“When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as “rootless and stemless.” We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don’t condemn it as immature and underdeveloped, nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is [whole] as it is.” (Gallwey 1974).
You are this rose, and I will help you to see it.
About Me
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LIC: MH 20171
Some personal details
My passion is to help individuals of all ages to improve their overall functioning and move toward their goals with confidence. I can personally say that “this stuff works,” and my desire is to continue helping others in the way I know best.
Since 2009, I have worked with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. This work has been done in various capacities; first as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, then as a psychometrician, and now as a therapist.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!! Nothing against FSU Seminoles), with a major in Psychology and a minor in Health Education and Behavior. I received my Master of Education degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. My training and research have been focused on what distinguishes master therapists from the rest and how to train therapists in developing those capacities.
My other passion is teaching dance, which I have been doing since 2003. If you so desire, we can incorporate movement, art, and music in your sessions.
I am also an active listener on the 7Cups of Tea website to offer free support to individuals from all over the world. There is no greater joy than giving back and paying it forward. Feel free to check out the site. It can be a great tool to use in-between sessions! https://www.7cups.com/15827809
Contact me for a free phone consultation by calling (954) 281-2756 or for information on other resources.