As a US Army veteran, I saw firsthand the impact of war, stress, trauma, and everyday life. I often found myself being the listening ear to many friends and oftentimes strangers as they navigated families, friendships, relationships, losses, and wins. I realized that I often had to draw on my strict but rich cultural upbringing to be empathetic and provide honest but comforting help and to celebrate the big wins and the small victories. After doing this for many years, I realized I was bound to end up in this field eventually. My therapeutic experience so far includes a very diverse client load and use of a holistic approach to explore the unique experiences and needs of my clients.

Our sessions are friendly and lighthearted and I allow clients to drive the direction. Intakes are set up to be structured but I also know how nerve-racking it can be for most people to speak about themselves so they can sometimes be a bit informal. Sessions may appear like conversations interrupted by formal questions aiming to challenge clients. Homework may be used along with a variety of behavioral techniques.

We have witnessed the entire healthcare field come up with new ways to continue to provide the best care to clients. In the mental health field, we have transitioned to embracing telehealth and we make every effort to make ourselves accessible to clients. As a provider, I put every effort into making this transition from a physical location to a virtual appointment as comfortable as possible. I continue to educate myself on new practices, new techniques, and on any other development in the field of mental health; I am always learning as a mental health provider.

Telemedicine is a new and exciting arm in healthcare and offers the ability to be accessible to clients in terms of time and space. Clients have expressed relief as they do not have to travel in order to meet for weekly sessions. They expressed that it saves time and money and allows for the continuation of care. I am looking forward to the positives that can come from these changes and the ability to work through the negatives.