“I do not only “meet my clients where they are'' but I also encourage them to be the driver of treatment.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
As a graduate of Colgate University, it was expected that I would pursue a career that would bring me financial bliss; therefore, I ventured into the business world.
Unfortunately, that was a short-lived experience, as I found myself unfulfilled. I then decided to take a leap of faith to seek something more meaningful. During this period of searching, I came upon the opportunity to work at a juvenile detention center as a childcare worker. Within days of employment, I knew I had found my calling. Thirty-five years later and I have excelled in my role as a seasoned licensed clinical social worker working with children and families.
As a social worker, I have witnessed some dark moments in society, ranging from the crack epidemic to the opioid epidemic and from HIV to COVID-19. However, with proper support, I have also witnessed individual resiliency and healthy family formation. Treatment works when WE work together.
What should someone know about working with you?
I believe that the two primary tenets of treatment are respect and confidentiality; with these two core principles, I am able to foster an environment of safety. Therapy is a place where safety is essential for one to truly actualize. In treatment, I am very goal-oriented, utilizing various approaches to attain set goals. I do not only “meet my clients where they are'' but I also encourage them to be the driver of treatment.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment from which an individualized treatment plan is created. Treatment consists of client-centered goals and objectives, which lay out the framework for our sessions. These goals are regularly reviewed to assess progress. At present, I primarily specialize in the treatment of children and families. I do this because I believe that the family is the foundation of our society and our children are the future. Treatment works!
How do your own core values shape your approach to care?
I believe that my rich life experiences have certainly enabled me to become the effective and compassionate clinician I am today. My journey began as a young immigrant to the United States of America. As a young immigrant, I was tossed into a very different and unfamiliar environment that came with significant socioeconomic disadvantages.
However, with the strong support of my family and various community members, I was fortunate to gain entrance into a very prestigious institution of higher learning. This opportunity, however, also came with its own set of demands and challenges. I am grateful for these experiences, knowing that they have allowed me to see the world from a unique perspective. With this unique perspective, I am able to relate to the plethora of challenges and issues faced by the individual and families.
“I believe that my rich life experiences have certainly enabled me to become the effective and compassionate clinician I am today.”