What makes an effective counselor? Is it an understanding of the medical causes behind struggles like anxiety or depression? While this is certainly critical for successful counseling, I believe that true progress with my clients comes from something deeper.
Since becoming a licensed counselor over sixteen years ago, I’ve worked with children, teenagers and adults who have struggled with a wide range of addictions, mental health struggles and personal crises. I first entered the field out of a desire to help others, and I’ve now had the opportunity to do so in several diverse jobs and circumstances. This includes time spent at a 24-hour crisis center where I developed my counseling abilities during the high-pressure work of handling urgent mental health emergencies.
But I believe that some of the most important counseling work takes place before an emergency develops. I help my clients identify irrational thought patterns and core belief systems that are producing unmanageable feelings or self-defeating behaviors. I then work closely with these clients to replace irrational thoughts with rational and productive ones. The result is a significantly improved ability to manage emotions and respond with appropriate and effective behaviors.
While my experience as a counselor is far-reaching, my specialties include the treatment of Addiction, Depression and Grief, and working with Parents that have Children with Behavioral Problems.
When not working with my clients, I enjoy spending time with my partner Tara and our Yorkshire Terrier Gretta in the beautiful outdoors of Kerrville, Texas.
I became a counselor because I have a passion for helping individuals transform personal struggles into personal strength. If you or a loved one struggles with mental illness, addiction or other issues, don’t wait until it becomes a crisis. Reach out now to begin your journey to a better life.