Best Life Counseling and Supervision

I became interested in being a therapist early on in my life. My personal life experiences have helped in shaping my ability to support others in their healing process. My therapeutic approach is engaging, non-judgmental and proactive. I am a good listener and a cheerleader for the positive changes my clients seek. With over 31 years of experience working in the field of mental health, I use a kind and straightforward style to gently guide people toward their personal and/or professional goals. I have worked with a wide range of ages dealing with various concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work stress and stage of life concerns. I use elements of CBT, person centered therapy, hypnotherapy, strength based therapy and mindfulness based techniques. As a trained hypnotherapist, these techniques are used for the resolution of anxiety, addictive behaviors and creative blocks. This may be a quick and effective way to improve your quality of life without prolonged therapy. Hypnotherapy is used in conjunction with cognitive or insight oriented therapy. This is a tool than can very effectively get to the root of the problem, slipping beneath a person's usual pattern of thoughts and emotional reactions. In a neutral and relaxed state of consciousness a rebalancing of the nervous system takes place easily unencumbered by self defeating thought and behavior patterns. Problems with stress, anxiety or depression can leave you feeling discouraged, afraid and confused. I want you to know there really is hope and help to eliminate these kinds of habits. You can learn to become relaxed, confident, happy and in control of your life again. I help people to break bad habits such as smoking, weight loss, limiting drinking or eliminating a sugar/chocolate/junk food habit. Therapy will be a collaborative approach with goals and treatment geared towards your individual needs. I would love to help you explore what is fostering self doubt and keeping you stuck in unfulfilling behavior patterns. As Carl Jung wrote "the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." GROUPS Smoking Cessation groups Have you ever tried to quit smoking, but found yourself lighting up a cigarette: Have you ever wondered, "How can I quit smoking?" "Why is it so hard to quit smoking?" Smoking tobacco is both a physical addiction and a psychological habit. The nicotine from cigarettes provides a temporary-and addictive-high. Eliminating that regular fix of nicotine causes your body to experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because of nicotine's "feel good" effect on the brain, you may turn to cigarettes as a quick and reliable way to boost your outlook, relieve stress and unwind. Smoking can also be a way of coping with depression, anxiety or even boredom. Quitting means finding different, healthier ways to cope with those feelings. To quit smoking, you must be ready emotionally and mentally. Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation can be an effective part of the plan to quit smoking. Hypnotherapy can be an effective way to gain control over the craving and to gain a new perspective on becoming a non-smoker. Therapy can also help you find alternative ways to cope with the anxiety, stress or depression that may be driving you to pick up that cigarette in the first place. You'll find new confidence and motivation as you learn powerful techniques to reduce cravings and urges. WEIGHT LOSS How many times have you found yourself eating mindlessly not out of hunger but more because it is something to do while you're working, watching tv or while you are bored? Have you stuffed yourself in the moment then felt frustrated and guilty afterwards: Have you avoided the scale, nervous about what you'll see or avoided a pool party or the beach, because you're self conscious of having others see you in a swimsuit? According to the National Institute of Diabetes, 70% of Americans are considered overweight, The majority of Americans struggle with their weight, and in turn, their health. We tend to blame ourselves for our weight and then restrict ourselves with some fad diet that doesn't work how we want it to, thus leading to a feeling of hopelessness. This is a vicious cycle of emotional hunger more than physical hunger. Emotional hunger comes on suddenly and feels like it needs to be satisfied instantly by the food that is craved, whereas physical hunger comes on slowly and can wait. Emotional hunger is often connected to craving a specific food whereas physical hunger can be satisfied by a variety of foods. Even when full, emotional hunger drives a person to keep eating, but physical hunger is satisfied when a person feels full. Emotional hunger can leave behind feelings of guilt whereas eating when physically hungry does not. I address weight release from a proven perspective of hypnotherapy using the Trim-life program which help to harness the power of your subconscious mind. Through groups and therapy you can learn to take back control of not just your weight but your emotions, happiness and your life. Text or email today to be added to the waitlist for these groups!