As a therapist, I approach mental health with a philosophy centered around acceptance and understanding. I believe in embracing life's challenges rather than trying to evade them. This philosophy is deeply influenced by the concept of "amor fati," a Latin phrase that translates to "love of fate" or "love of one's fate." This principle guides me both personally and professionally, encouraging a relaxed demeanor and a genuine acceptance of things as they are, focusing on areas we can change and growing within the spaces we cannot.

In my practice, I adopt a humanistic approach, meeting each client where they are, respecting their unique journey and experiences. My background is diverse—I have worked with couples, teenagers, and adults across various settings, including addiction recovery and special education. This range of experience has equipped me to handle a variety of mental health challenges with sensitivity and adaptability.

For those seeking general counseling, my broad training across many therapeutic areas allows me to tailor my approach to suit individual needs. Whether it's employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to focus more intently on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, engaging in conversational and reflective dialogue for deeper insights, or integrating creative methods like art therapy for those who express themselves best through artistic mediums, my practice is versatile and client-centered.

With teenage clients, I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space that respects their autonomy just as I would with adult clients. However, I also recognize the unique pressures and challenges faced by adolescents. My approach with teens involves facilitating expression and exploration in a way that acknowledges their growing independence while providing the guidance and understanding they need to navigate their developmental stage. This balance helps in building trust, fostering open communication, and ensuring that both teens and their guardians feel involved and supported in the therapeutic process.

In couples therapy, my focus is on the dynamics between partners rather than just the issues at hand. I begin by ensuring both individuals are committed to the therapeutic process, often starting with a brief initial phone consultation. During sessions, I emphasize equal expression for both parties and strive to remain neutral, facilitating a space where each partner can safely express their thoughts and feelings. This approach helps couples understand each other's perspectives better and work collaboratively towards strengthening their relationship.

In my work with addiction, I employ a Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), which focuses on improving the client's life and environment to reduce the appeal of addictive behaviors. As a trained cocaine facilitator, I've led groups dedicated to addiction recovery, applying my skills in motivational interviewing to help clients explore their own motivations and resolve ambivalence towards change. My approach is informed and direct—I'm understanding yet can be challenging and blunt when necessary to facilitate real progress. Additionally, I am well-versed in the landscape of addiction centers and can provide guidance if a client is considering such options, ensuring a comprehensive support system tailored to individual recovery needs.

I integrate the principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, which are foundational for effective trauma treatment. My approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that clients feel secure and respected, particularly concerning bodily safety and consent. I pay close attention to the somatic experiences of my clients, recognizing how trauma can manifest physically. By incorporating body-awareness techniques and promoting bodily regulation, I help clients reconnect with their bodies and manage physical responses associated with trauma.

Collaboration is key in my therapy sessions. I believe in demystifying the science and knowledge behind different therapeutic techniques, empowering clients by sharing insights that allow them to understand the 'why' and 'how' of the methods we use. This collaborative educational approach ensures that therapy is not just a service provided, but a shared journey of understanding and growth.