I am a substance abuse and mental health therapist with 20+ years providing assessment and counseling services to Youth and Families. I have worked in a variety of program settings including Outpatient, Day Treatment, and Residential Services. I have conducted hundreds of substance abuse assessments for youth referred by schools, courts, doctors, and families. The approach I use is strength-based blended with cognitive-behavioral. I believe that together we can help you identify strengths within yourself and focus on finding solutions.
We are usually motivated to seek help when our loved ones are in trouble, we are experiencing emotional pain, or want problem solving guidance. My approach is to help clients master healthy coping skills. My personal experience of moving 37 times before ninth grade taught me to develop coping skills at an early age. My Dad tells a story about how I told my younger brother when he was four and I was five that "it's easy to make new friends-you just look for the houses with toys in the yard and knock on the door. The mom answers and you ask if she has any kids your age." To a five year old who constantly moved, this was common sense. But what if I hadn't been independent? What if I was anxious? What if I had isolated and not reached out on my own? As I grew older, I sought out adults who could guide me and give me the direction I sought. The help I received from caring adults created a desire to help others, especially Youth who are struggling with making good decisions. Today's world is not the safe environment where parents would tell their children to go out in the neighborhood and find some friends. Youth need direction, support, and guidance. Growing up is tough and the more positive adults in a child's life, the more resilient they become.