What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
As odd as this sounds, I always knew I wanted to be a psychologist and never seriously entertained another profession. One time in middle school I was at an all-girls retreat and we were asked to write down our future goals. Very quickly I wrote down “I want to be a psychologist and a mother.” Having forgotten about this I continued to go about everyday life. I knew I had skills of having an excellent memory and was an even better listener-so much so that everyone in my family has a nickname and mine is aptly named “The Ear.”
The true inspiration behind my interest of the field is being able to give someone practical tools to deal with everyday challenges. I love the organic conversation that evolves into healing and betterment. I also feel so humbled to be in this profession and truly feel I was called to do so and am reminded of that session after session.
Not too long ago I was cleaning out some documents and came across a forgotten little paper that read “I want to be a psychologist and a mother.” It is a privilege to say I met my goals of being a psychologist and a mother and don’t take it for granted. I am honored to work with you on this journey and I look forward to helping you write and live out your goals as well.
What does a typical session with you look like?
My first 2-3 sessions will take a history called a “bio-psycho-social.” I find out about family, medications, support network, prior therapy experiences, and any spirituality you want to incorporate into our work together, etc. At the end of the biopsychosocial, we set goals that you want to achieve. From there we begin the “therapy phase” of work and get into it. While we typically have a framework of what we will work in in future sessions, we leave room to discuss events or situations that have come up during the week that need to be addressed quickly. Happy to be flexible with what you need week-to-week.
If you hadn’t become a therapist, what profession would you have chosen and why?
Ooooh! Good one! There are two things that I often debate in my head not because I don’t love being a psychologist, but because it’s a question that often comes up.
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Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.