Professional Disclosure Statement & Informed Consent for Mental Health Counseling

I believe that for counseling to be effective, both the client and I must be actively involved in
developing counseling goals and assessing progress. Efforts to change self-perception, emotions,
and behaviors require work both in session and out of session. Some change will occur quickly
and easily, but more often change requires slow, deliberate, and repeated efforts. Clients should
be aware that while counseling interventions offer potential benefits, they also present possible
risks. Such risks might include uncomfortable feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger or
frustrations as he/she discuss unpleasant aspects of his/her life, or experience difficulties with
other people as he/she change. Furthermore, as a result of his/her personal growth, they might
experience feelings of discomfort until he/she adjust to the changes within and they become a
routine part of their life. Nevertheless, weighing the potential risks against the benefits, which
might include such assets as gaining insight into their problems, developing coping skills and
resources, and changing themselves so that participating in lifes daily activities generally
becomes a more positive experience. As a way of introducing myself to clients, I have prepared
this description of my background, services offered, counseling process and approach, and other
information that is important for clients to know.
Education & Credentials
I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University-Richmond.
I am LPC eligible and in pursuit of licensure. My work settings have included private practice
and addiction residential treatment. I have been providing counseling services since 2015.
Services Offered
I often work with clients who are struggling with life changes such as adjustment to a
developmental stage or life transition. I also work with client who are struggling with more
chronic issues such as depression and anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, ongoing relationship
issues, grief and loss. I have also work with adolescents experiencing behavioral and emotional
issues to include sexual deviance. I am particularly interested in self-esteem, body image, and
sex addiction therapy.
Philosophy
My therapeutic approach in counseling begins with the development of a humanistic approach
that accepts a respects a clients right to autonomy. I practice cognitive-behavioral techniques
(CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused techniques. The therapeutic
environment focuses and emphasizes the clients treatment objectives on: how to develop and
achieve goals, identifying and implementing healthy coping skills, identifying specific target
behaviors, emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring and prevention techniques. The
collaborative, empathetic, and strength-based approach I utilize helps to provide new learning
and skills for clients.

Counseling Process
My practical view of the function of counseling is as a journey of self-exploration by the client,
meant to increase his/her level of self-understanding and self-awareness. I as counselor act as the
guide or facilitator of this journey. I as counselor do not act as the self-appointed expert on the
client's life who effortlessly dispenses advice to the client on what he/she should be thinking,
feeling, and doing. I as counselor do not readily provide answers/solutions to client
questions/problems regarding themselves and their lives. From my experience, clients are much
more inclined to own and operate an answer/solution if it is of their own creation. On some level
of consciousness based on his/her experience in life, I believe the client is in possession of the
answers to his questions. It is my job to make those answers explicit. It is my job to help clients
identify, develop, and mobilize their own resources to successfully solve problems and meet
challenges.
The most therapeutic aspect of counseling is creating a safe and trusting relationship for healing
and growth. With each client I seek to create an individualized balance of applied clinical theory,
creative interventions, compassion and empathy to challenge negative thinking, improve coping
skills, enhance self-awareness, manage emotions, and develop healthier behaviors. I enjoy
providing individual therapy with adults.
I believe that treatment should focus on making peoples' lives better, on improving their
relationships, on helping them understand who they are, and on making sure that progress and
healing continues long after treatment ends. I believe therapy can facilitate significant personal
growth and increased wellness. My approach to therapy is broadly humanistic as I seek to build
with my clients, in a safe and secure environment, mutual understanding of them as a whole,
assisting individuals with honing their internal "voice" and tapping into their own existing
strengths. I have also worked extensively with clients to help them develop coping strategies to
effectively manage intense emotions, such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, and impaired selfesteem. I also believe the therapeutic process is a journey to greater self-discovery and selfacceptance. I use creativity and self-expression in the counseling process. I believe that each
individual has a unique story that shapes the way in which he or she interacts with the world.
Confidentiality
Information that is shared with me will be regarded with respect and handled in a professional
manner. In most situations I will request a release of information form to be signed before
communicating with others. Limits to confidentiality include when there is concern that a client
will harm themselves or others, or court orders that request information. Clients will be given a
copy of my Notice of Privacy Practices and clients will be asked to sign a client consent for use
and disclosure of protected health information.