About
I choose to practice Substance Use Counseling because I want to give hope to others, as I so graciously received when I embarked on my recovery journey. I want to support and show others there are benefits to a life of recovery. I feel with my experience and education I can provide others with the tools needed to help them succeed. Assisting them with seeing the light instead of darkness. Hope instead of shame and guilt. To see a journey instead of a means to survival.
I enjoy seeing people transition from contemplating if they should stop using substances, to building their life where substances are not a part of it. People will have these “aha” moments and it is fantastic to watch. I also love that I can mold my practice to what I do best and feel supported by my colleagues.
My approach to treating substance use disorders is meeting the person where they are at. I start by listening to their needs, goals, and what they would like to get out of treatment. From there what approach is needed can be discovered, like harm reduction, 12-step recovery, or something else. I look at a person’s whole environment, so it is not only focused on the substance, but on making connections, obtaining a driver’s license, employment, advocating in court, referrals to other providers, and more. Thus revealing that substances have been their solution, but they do not have to be anymore.
Specialties
- Substance Use
- Harm-Reduction
- Person-Centered Care
- Motivational Interviewing