Initially, I pursued a degree in psychology; social work was my second career choice. The versatility in the field of social work and the compassionate nature of social workers in general led to my vested interest in pursuing a career as an LCSW. Prior to enrolling in graduate school, I was employed as a foster care worker, a clinical assistant on a hospital psychiatric unit, and a case manager. As a clinical assistant at Brookhaven Hospital, I observed the commonplace of comorbidities involving addiction and mental illness. I became fascinated by the correlation between addiction and mental illness and decided to pursue an MSW and CASAC-T to gain a better understanding of these fields of study. As a clinician, my patience, understanding, and ability to simplify complex human experiences into easily understandable terms are my clinical strengths. My training backgrounds include motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, addiction counseling, and crisis management.

Initial appointments will consist of the intake process. Clients will be informed of expectations of both parties and sign consents for any information released to family, friends, caregivers, and other professionals. Clients will be asked background questions for the purpose of shaping treatment plans. Background questions will include but are not limited to age, gender, sexual orientation, prior treatment history, medical history, medication history, past diagnoses, family treatment history, social relationships, strengths, weaknesses, legal history, and employment history. Clinical tasks will be assigned between scheduled treatment sessions based on diagnosis and level of need. My ideal clients are cooperative, attentive, punctual, actively engaged, willing to provide feedback, and committed to consistent attendance.

As a clinician, continuing education is necessary not only to maintain credentials but to also stay current with the best practices that allow me to provide the most effective and up-to-date treatment for clients. Annual PESI courses and online trainings on therapeutic treatment modalities are my chosen strategies in obtaining continuing education credits. I have several courses of interest, including those in trauma and telehealth certification, EMDR and telehealth, sex and relationship issues, and innovations in psychotherapy. Collaborating with other professionals allows for an exchange of information, access to different perspectives and expertise, and support and reassurance as a clinical professional.