Counseling Approach

Grounded in clinical training and experience since 1996, my approach to therapy includes interpersonal, systems, and diversity-affirmative theories. From an interpersonal perspective, I work to be aware of my reactions during the exchange of information in therapy and how these reactions may inform a client’s relationship patterns, sense of self and connections with others. I also work to provide feedback about these reactions which often allows clients to attain greater awareness of themselves and how they come across to others. From a systems perspective, I work to understand the rules and regulations that govern salient client systems (i.e. marital system, family system, work system). Some systems are functional and positive while others are toxic and dysfunctional. Figuring out how to manage systems and function best in different systems is critical to psychological well-being. From a diversity-affirmative perspective, I work to co-construct an environment where clients feel safe to bring all the aspects of the self into therapy including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, size, health status, ability, religion/spirituality, etc. Lastly, I focus on creating a nurturing therapeutic relationship to facilitate trust, risk taking, and progress that optimizes clients meeting their goals. 

 

 

Clinical Settings, Populations, and Types of Counseling

My clinical training has included working in private practice, university counseling centers, employee assistance programs, inpatient hospital units, outpatient hospital units, and community mental health settings. My experience in these settings has led to extensive experience providing personal, career, and academic counseling to individuals, couples, and groups. This has allowed me to work with immensely diverse clients based on 1) age (adolescents to older adults), 2) cultural diversity, 3) problem type, and 4) problem severity.

 

Short Term and Long Term Approaches

These settings have helped me build both short-term and long-term approaches to counseling. Drawing from a short-term approach, counseling focuses on immediate problems, symptom relief, and practical skill building. Drawing from a long-term approach, counseling focuses on the root of problems, understanding old wounds, and change focused on identity, personality and the self. I typically draw from a combination of these approaches in my clinical work.

 

Educational Training

 Ph.D.,  Counseling Psychology, Indiana University

Academic Minor: Social Psychology of Diversity

M.S., Professional Counseling, Georgia State University

B.A., Sociology, Furman University

 

Professional Licensure

I am a licensed psychologist affirmed by the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Psychologists. 

I hold membership in the Athens Area Psychological Association