MVP Health Care Therapists in Smithtown, NY

There are hundreds of reasons why I became a counselor, but the main reason is the want to help guide clients into a better quality of life! The basis of my clinician approach is the strong belief in creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Maintaining a safe place for clients (like you!) to be supported with genuine care and empathy is integral for me as your counselor. Together we will work towards making positive life changes, finding and utilizing your strengths, meet your therapeutic goals, and relieve your distress.

Sometimes you may feel stuck, have trouble understanding your emotions, or need some help sorting out your thoughts, but the good news is you do not have to do it alone. Mental health affects every part of your life, and I am here to provide a safe, empathetic, and judgement-free space to explore and express what you are experiencing. It is important to talk about your feelings and experiences, and by examining them together, we can address any concerns regarding anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or negative thoughts, to name a few. We can then work on building coping skills to help you deal with life’s stressors.

Hello! I am a bilingual, multicultural competent LP-MHC who is passionate about working closely with clients in order to individualize and adapt care based on their unique symptoms, needs, personalities, and goals. Whether you're dealing with childhood issues, the challenges of adolescence or adulthood, or any other stressors, I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, exploring your experiences, addressing trauma, and working towards healing and growth. In our sessions, you can expect validation, support, and empathy as we navigate this path.

I have over 30 years experience in the mental health field. I have extensive knowledge and experience working with people suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, OCD, trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, complicated grief and relationship issues. For 17 years I have worked in a day treatment program where I provided individual, group and family counseling targeting clients suffering with range of issues from ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorders, physical/sexual abuse and substance abuse. Only Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Self-Pay with South Carolina residents.

I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, personality disorders and more. I trained using the cognitive-behavioral approach but have incorporated elements of other approaches in order to develop a comprehensive therapeutic style. I have provided counseling for people from all walks of life. I practice with cultural humility meaning I aim to fully understand all the facets of one’s identity and how they interact with the world around them. All clients may have their own stories but they all work towards a similar goal: to lead a happier and healthier life. We will work together to get to that point.

As a therapist, my goal is to create a comfortable, nonjudgemental and safe place where my client can feel open and trust me. From my previous work background I have learned that having a therapist you can not only trust but have a personal connection with is very important. I believe every individual has their own unique experiences, trauma, and issues and I would like to be that safe place for someone to unravel these experiences and together work towards a positive healthier journey. I strive to always validate my client's feelings and have an open empathetic mindset during my sessions which I believe is very important.

I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years and I have an extensive background & significant experience in working with: anxiety disorders, depression, grief & loss, relationships, abandonment , self-esteem issues, & PTSD. I am also skilled in doing inner child work. Whether it's marital or individual counseling, I very much value the "creative" process necessary for change and growth. I believe change is a journey we all struggle with. Having help on this journey can be life changing.

Are you feeling that life is too difficult or stressful to face alone? My passion is helping you to feel supported, connected and understood. I will help you find your strength so that you have the confidence to overcome obstacles and reach your potential. Together, we can develop goals to help you feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled in your life.

Restore your strength and resilience. Maximize your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual ability. Affirm your inner greatness. Children, teens, adults, military veterans, their families, substance abusers, and the seriously and persistently mentally ill receive help. I am a certified Gottman Seven Principles of Marriage Program Educator, and a NYS Impaired Driver Assessment and Evaluation Provider. Receive the mature experience of a former preschool teacher, home school teacher, police detective, patrol supervisor, bereavement coordinator, college Psychology instructor, substance abuse counselor, and mental health therapist.

My first priority when working with clients is to build a trusting and emotionally safe partnership. I hope to provide an inviting, empathic, supportive, and non-judgmental space to explore the depth of your inner truth and to help you actualize the life you envision for yourself. Together, we will explore past experiences, including family dynamics and your early life, in addition to thoughts, feelings, and current patterns of behavior to provide insight into how you can better cope with issues impacting you now. Often, we are more resilient than we believe we are - I'm here to help you harness that strength and find hope again.

Are you feeling hopeless, frustrated, or overwhelmed by the challenges of life? Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or to feel comfortable in your own skin. It is important to let you know that you do not have to experience your current struggles alone and that there is hope in reaching a healthier place.