Job Title
Staff Social Worker
Education:
The University of Michigan
Professional Interests:
- Men’s issues/masculinities
- Legal/forensic issues
- Life transitions and adjustment
- OCD
- Identity/self-concept
- Psychosis and mania
- Life transitions and adjustment
- OCD
- Identity/self-concept
- Psychosis and mania
Approach to Therapy:
My approach to therapy starts with building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, authenticity, and empathy. I use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in my work with clients and value this model for its holistic, non-pathologizing, and comprehensive approach to the challenges we all face as we endeavor to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. I believe that the client and the therapist are working together, as equals, to navigate life’s rewarding, complex, and sometimes painful experiences. With this shared human experience in mind, I strive to provide a compassionate, validating space that invites non-judgmental openness to and a genuine curiosity about all thoughts, feelings, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. I respect and appreciate the diversity of social and cultural identities and histories that each client brings to therapy, and I believe that interventions should be flexible to fit each client’s unique life experience and context.
Approach to Wellness:
For me, wellness begins with balance and ensuring that I have time to participate in activities that promote relaxation or offer an engaging emotional experience. I especially enjoy watching sports (Go Blue!), listening to music, going to concerts and shows, watching movies and tv, playing narrative and sports video games, and taking road trips. I also value humor, learning, curiosity, and healthy spontaneity as important contributors to wellness.
Supervisory Style:
I take a collaborative, developmental, and strengths-focused approach to supervision. I value honest and transparent communication, empathy, meaningful exchange and discussion of ideas, and humor in the supervisory relationship. I encourage ongoing conversations about case conceptualization and any challenges and risks that may emerge in the therapeutic process, and I strive to be mindful of how our own identities, perspectives, and backgrounds impact that process. I believe a supervisory environment that emphasizes professional and personal identity development, continuous self-reflection and internal work, and openness to opportunities for celebration and growth is beneficial for us and our clients.