What do you do to help you to focus, to accomplish goals in your life?
I try to live a balanced life. Since I am in the business of helping others, I believe in the importance of self-care. I enjoy running and biking, nature, reading, traveling, and motorcycling to name a few. I enjoy most kinds of music. I regularly practice meditation to stay centered, increase self-reflection and be “in the moment.” It also increases self-awareness and inner-peace. I also enjoy furthering my knowledge of my field and the world through continuing education seminars and courses.
What is the most common feedback you get from your clients? What is your style in the therapy session?
Clients seem to appreciate my calm, collected, attentive demeanor. Several clients
have noted over the years, "After meeting you, I feel like I've known you
my whole life." I make sure to vary my therapy approach to particular client's
needs. Some clients need to be given the opportunity to draw out the solutions
themselves but need guidance with finding those answers that lie within, while
others seem to appreciate more of a direct approach. Either way, I ensure that
I help clients discover the answers within themselves so that they are able
to do this in their everyday lives also. This leads to great progress in their
lives. In a sense, I am also educational in my approach, meaning that I often
find that, as a therapist, I am also sort of a teacher. I enjoy bringing new
information to the client and heightening people's awareness in new areas. I
am a strong believer that a great deal of change and insight can occur in client's
lives between therapy sessions (where they put the skills learned in therapy
to practice).
I often give homework assignments between sessions; this can range from a reading
recommendation, journaling about a particular topic, checking out a resource
that I believe would be helpful for the client, or just thinking more about
or considering something important that was discussed in session.
What do you admire most in other people?
I am most inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit. Oftentimes, when people
feel they are broken, they are out of touch with themselves and it affects not
only themselves but other parts of their lives including their relationships
with others. By helping people become more aware of themselves, they discover
inner strengths they never knew existed and find that they are more resilient
than they ever thought they could be.
The waiting rooms at CPA are known for the various tasty treats offered, what is your favorite candy?
Green apple Jolly Ranchers (why are the grape ones always leftover?).
And the Hershey’s Special Dark Nuggets with Almonds.