My Approach to Counseling
My Credentials
I earned a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology: Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. After receiving my graduate degree from NYU, I continued my education by enrolling in clinical practicum trainings at the Albert Ellis Institute where I earned my Primary Certificate in Rational-Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as my Advanced Certificate in Rational-Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The Albert Ellis Institute is an internationally recognized and respected psychotherapy and training institute established in 1959 by Dr. Albert Ellis, the founder of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), which is the original form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Why Choose Me As Your Counselor?
In the diverse field of mental health counseling, many counselors utilize an eclectic approach that is based on integrating various components of multiple psychotherapy modalities into their own personally tailored model. While these integrated approaches can help clients to feel better within the moment, I believe that combining dissimilar theories into one integrated model does not generally help clients to get better and stay better.
My approach to counseling is simpler, solution-focused, evidence-based, and highly effective in alleviating psychological, emotional, and relational distress. Through rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), I assist my clients with developing and achieving realistic goals and effective coping strategies. I help them to learn that in our most challenging moments, when we are unable to change or entirely control external circumstances, we can find power in choosing to change ourselves by adapting to our situation and therefore transforming our perspective.
In my view as a counselor, by predominantly utilizing and focusing on one approach, I am able to provide accurate, detailed, and unwavering clinical guidance and support that remains consistent for the duration of counseling, as the strategies and techniques that you will learn and practice will never contradict one another; rather, they will build the foundation to help you become your own best source of support in the long term!
Rational emotive behavior therapy has personally benefited me in my own mental health and wellness journey, as it has helped me (and continues to help me) during pivotal moments within my life, and aided me in learning to manage and substantially alleviate my own anxiety. In addition to my passion for REBT and my work as a therapist, I enjoy cooking, gemology, music (especially Italian music, Spanish guitar, and Brazilian sambas), stoicism, walking, and maintaining an all-natural and organic diet. When I am not in my office, you will find me spending time with my husband, two children, and German Shepherd, Epic (named after the Stoic philosopher, Epictetus).
Why I Choose REBT
Even in our most challenging moments, when it seems like we have lost control of our lives, REBT proposes that the one aspect we always have control over is the attitude we adopt about ourselves and our circumstances. At its core, REBT is more than a type of therapy; it is a philosophy for life, and I feel most encouraged in this field when I see that my clients are not only able to think more rationally, but that they can put these principles into effect, and therefore live more rationally. My clients’ personal growth and ability to overcome what once seemed impossible for them is what inspires me.
My personal approach to mental health counseling is strongly based in rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Additionally, I incorporate components of cognitive therapy (CT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy, and Stoic philosophy into my work.
Key Features:
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REBT proposes that there are three primary components of psychological functioning: beliefs, emotions, and behaviors, and that every human being has the capacity for rational and irrational thinking.
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Through REBT counseling, we gain insight into ourselves, as we learn that it is not simply the circumstances in our lives that result in our unhealthy emotions and behaviors, but our beliefs about these circumstances which cause an emotional and behavioral disturbance.
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By challenging our rigidly held irrational beliefs and demands, REBT helps us to adopt a more rational perspective about ourselves, others, and the world, which results in greater psychological satisfaction, heightened emotional independence, and at its best, a profound metaphysical change, accompanied by inner tranquility and personal enlightenment.
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CT, ACT, and MBCT are all cognitive behavioral-based therapies that further enhance the goals of REBT. The Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy is a couples counseling approach which helps to increase constructive relational behaviors by examining unhelpful patterns and challenges unique to each couple.
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Stoic philosophy has had a substantial influence on the development of REBT. Just as REBT is a practical psychotherapy with philosophical attributes, Stoicism has long been viewed as a practical philosophy with therapeutic benefits. By integrating Stoicism into my approach to therapy, I am able to highlight how REBT principles (rooted in Stoic philosophy) have been helping people to cope with anxiety, illness, injustice, betrayal, grief, and economic hardships for over 2000 years!
