About
Congratulations on deciding to better your life.
Deciding to seek help means that you can now drop those walls and begin to discuss and identify those things you keep holding on to but need to let go.
Entering that calm and comfortable environment, where you feel heard and understood, makes you feel at home. That positive feeling begins as you see encouragement and smiles as you enter the door and receive a comfortable chair as you wait for your appointment.
This place is safe, and you feel relief for being able to let go a little more as you strive to go deeper. When it’s over, your feel better for having made the decision.
Here’s what to expect while working with me.
The first thing to do is talk, and I listen. The issues that bring a person to therapy are personal. It is important to sit and allow someone to figure out where you want to go in your journey, so I listen.
My philosophy is that I am here to help you improve your quality of life, so I listen. It is your world; I see my role as support and help. I can present another perspective, but the ultimate choice is up to you.
I use Motivational Interviewing, as there are no preconceived notions of where someone is supposed to be when you begin your journey. You are in control. I believe no one knows you better than you.
It is your journey to a better quality of life. I am here to help.
The first step into the journey to your better life begins with a phone call.
About Me
You are not alone.
Addiction and mental health issues run in my family. Throughout my younger life, I always wondered how such wonderful people could change. One moment talkative, friendly; and the next moment, withdrawn and sullen.
As a child, I would visit my favorite uncle. He was attentive and loving during the day. When I would see him after dark, he was different – like he was someone else, cold and distant. I asked why he changed, no one would answer. They avoided the question.
Later in life, I discovered that his behavior resulted from addiction.
We minimize the influence of addiction on our world. The person with the addiction is often brilliant and loving. Supporting the transition to that person locked inside is a phenomenal feeling for me.
Professional background
I took part in a special program while serving in the Navy as a counselor. The Navy trained me in San Diego, California. For eight weeks and three days, I began to learn counselor skills during the day and spent each evening attending a different support meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings from San Diego to La Joya.
The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. Seeing people learn to help themselves became my goal. I decided from that program I wanted to learn more, but I also wanted to learn how to reach people.
I enrolled in the University of North Florida and earned my bachelor’s degree in Education; from there, I continued until I had earned my master’s.
My progression was not normal. I focused more on education, teaching, and reaching people. I became a Licensed Mental Health professional in the State of Florida in 2002 and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia in 2016. Then, I received my license in Mental Health.
I also earned an International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium in Alcohol and Drugs. My training includes primarily Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
My life away from the office
I enjoy working with my hands. I garden as I love growing things, and I enjoy working out.