“From a young age, I had the desire to help others whether it was through teaching or being a counselor, specifically focusing on children and adolescents who, like myself, did not grow up in the traditional family system.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
From a young age, I had the desire to help others whether it was through teaching or being a counselor, specifically focusing on children and adolescents who, like myself, did not grow up in the traditional family system. I discovered the field of social work at a young age and knew that I could be of service to individuals in the community in which I was raised. I graduated in 2012 with my master’s degree in social work from New York University. I have worked in foster care as well as outpatient mental health settings, providing individual and family therapy. I look forward to continuing my work with adolescents and adults who have experienced early trauma in their interpersonal connections, which can result in feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, anxiety surrounding relationships, and fears of abandonment. I have been known to be empathetic and understanding, and I will provide guidance without a sense of judgment. I strive to aid everyone in reaching their full life potential.
What should someone know about working with you?
As a therapist, I have always strongly believed that it is imperative to meet a client where they are. I have always utilized a client-centered approach, as you are the only person who can determine your goals and desired accomplishments for the future. As a therapist, I will guide you in discovering what barriers have presented themselves in your life and have brought you into therapy. Together, we will discover appropriate coping skills and techniques to overcome those barriers to allow you to move forward in life and achieve your goals.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I currently have the ability to engage in continuing education courses through resources such as Relias as well as the Center for Practice Innovations. I also am currently applying to New York University's postgraduate certification course in advanced assessment and diagnosis to expand my knowledge and better serve the clients I hope to work with in the future. I am constantly researching articles and reliable data on new evidence-based approaches that can be incorporated into my work. As a form of self-care, I have engaged in my own therapy and have utilized mindfulness, art, and exercise as my coping tools.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I am most excited about the ever-evolving methods of being able to reach our clients in today's age. With the ability to provide mental health services via telehealth and telephonic methods, we reach individuals even in the middle of global pandemics. It has brought awareness worldwide to the need for this field and the vital support of therapists, counselors, life coaches, social workers, and the like.
“I have been known to be empathetic and understanding, and I will provide guidance without a sense of judgment.”