Counseling: Introduction

 Who are my clients?

Currently I am licensed to work with clients in the state of California and New Jersey, plus I meet with people living internationally. My specialty is working with clients to overcome the hold that worry and fear have on their lives. I also support youth and adults who are struggling with any of the following issues:

• stress & anxiety

• social issues (peer pressure, aggression, isolation) & social anxiety

• grief & loss

• divorce, separation, break ups

• substance use

• self injurious behaviors

• disordered eating

• self-confidence

• anger & rumination

• communication issues

• adjustment to a new life situation

How do I work with my clients?

 Together, with my client (and their family in the case of younger clients), we begin by understanding present realities, using a narrative therapy stance. I help clients to externalize their struggles and separate the individual from their problem. Often we work to change a narrative and reframe adverse or traumatic experiences— this empowers clients and prepares them for our journey together.

While building rapport with a client and understanding their current landscape, we begin the process of co-constructing therapy goals. I balance my inquiry into client history with a solution-focsued  and reality therapy orientation by highlighting successes, strengths and exceptions to problematic behaviors, and by looking at current functioning with a constant eye on determining solutions to relieve client distress and not get stuck in the past.

In order for my clients to eventually be successful without reliance on therapy, it is critical that they gain not only insight but skills and tools in our sessions. For this I rely heavily on cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, with use of cognitive restructuring, exposure techniques, psychoeducation, relaxation training and journaling. The connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors is central to much of my work.

For clients needing support and coaching with communication skills I rely on the Non-Violent Communication schema and script writing with role plays to prepare for upcoming interactions.

From my work in school settings I have adapted Restorative Practice tools to use for individual growth as opposed to the more conflict resolution based application in educational/prison settings. I use it as part of my toolkit when working with clients who are on a journey of seeking forgiveness towards or from others in their lives.

I use mindfulness and breathing techniques in the majority of sessions, and clients should be prepared to complete action items between meetings. I also use somatic therapy as I see appropriate for those holding mucu og their emotional distress in their body.

The counseling session is only part of the journey— much of the real work happens in the real world when clients implement their tools and self-understanding.

I expect my clients to feel some relief from their symptoms within the first two sessions.