Throughout my career, I’ve provided services to victims of domestic violence, as well as folks struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, and personality disorders. More recently, I had the privilege of working as a therapist at the County of Orange Healthcare Agency DUI and Drug Court program, where I provided individual and group therapy to people struggling with alcohol and substance use issues, as well as a multitude of other issues, such as career problems, family life, and behaviors associated with finances. Working in the DUI and Drug Court program changed my life. The experiences I had with these clients was nothing short of remarkable. I grew a lot here as well, learning how to facilitate groups, advocate for my clients in court, and respectfully challenge my clients to help them see how they can grow into the person they wanted to be. I will never forget these experiences, or my clients.
What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
The ability to quickly connect with my clients. From the start of treatment, I am focused on helping you feel welcomed and heard.
What is one thing that you have learned through your own therapy?
That changing old habits is tough! Seriously, there are moments when my therapist is talking with me about an issue, and I just want to run away from it. My own therapy has taught me how to better address my stressors head-on.
How have your personal experiences helped your work with your clients?
I strongly believe in second chances. I know people in my life who were given a second chance, and they learned from their prior mistakes/bad choices. They now live a wonderful and fruitful life. I would love to help give others that same opportunity. Our past does not have to define our future.
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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.