I have been working as a counselor for over 6 years. Prior to that I worked in the criminal justice system. Much of my work experience in counseling has been with survivors of various trauma's, those dealing with both mental health and substance use issues and clients dealing with changes in life stage.

I use two different approaches to therapy. The first, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy or REBT, focuses on changing irrational thought patterns to reduce or eliminate disruptive emotions. The second, Existential Therapy, focuses on how we view our lives in terms of meaning and purpose, the anxiety that comes living lives that we are responsible for living, as well as emotions that arise from the idea that life is finite.

The most important thing that I do is listen. Clients should expect to feel heard by someone who is nonjudgmental and nonbiased. They should be able to leave the first session feeling understood and feeling as if they have an ally in their struggle. They should also have an idea of what to start working before the next session.