Are you happy? Three simple words that can be as complicated and challenging, exhilarating and liberating as the words I Love You! Therapeutic relationships are formed as a partnership in which a person is seeking to delve into the question “Am I happy? If not, what blocks my ability to feel happiness; and what do I need to obtain and/or change to experience happiness?” while in dialogue with a Counselor.
About My Therapeutic Style
Originally trained with an advanced generalist approach to social work practice, I have stayed committed to working with each individual and family toward finding the therapeutic approach(es) with best meets their personalized needs of obtaining their treatment goals. I have received specialized training in CBT & Trauma Informed Care for both Adults and Adolescents. Additionally, I have extensive experience with compassion-focused and mindfulness practices that are especially helpful for persons experiencing heightened anxiety or grief associated with trauma, life-transitions, gender dysphoria, or other physical health related challenges.
I work as well with adolescents as I do with the elderly (and the generation often sandwiched in between the two).
I also work well with persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities (because typing out LGBTQIA+ doesn’t quite capture everyone).
I work well with persons who live with chronic pain, as well as those who choose to live while dying with a terminal condition.
I work well with a person / a family who wants to engage the therapeutic journey with a goal of Transformation.
About My Professional Background
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience, as well as Ordained Clergy who believes in journeying alongside a person and their chosen community to help them identify their potential, to heal from the past (if applicable) and to embrace the present with joy.
My professional career path has led me through the devastation of AIDS in the early 90’s – first in pediatrics and then in adult medicine – when it was as if everyone I knew was dying. I came out to self and others all at once when I immediately stepped into community activism seeking organizational change to better serve the needs of those who were marginalized based upon their diagnosis, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic heritage.
When I reflectively asked the question many years ago, “Where is God in the midst of suffering? I applied and attended Seminary where I focused my study upon the importance of healing touch in the pursuit of wholeness for mind, body, and spirit. Before accepting a clinical position in Hospice Care (in residence, nursing home, and inpatient facility) providing end of life counseling to the person dying and their family, I was a solo pastor active in ministry and social justice work to benefit the LGBTQ+ community. I was active on many committees offering training’s and workshops aimed at seeking positive social and community change with the LGBTQ+ community.
Today, I am equally inspired by and committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and the adults who love and support them. LGBTQ+ still face unique challenges often experiencing increased anxiety and depression as they seek to maneuver through continued societal stigma and bullying. I welcome opportunities to meet with and provide training to organizations that wish to offer culturally sensitive and affirming support to LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, I welcome providing individual and family counseling to those who want to learn how to embody their authentic self with confidence and compassion.
Member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgender Health)
Member of IATP (International Association of Trauma Professionals)
Member CSWA (Clinical Social Work Association)