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I understand the caution you may be feeling, I have been through it. I won't go into my whole story but I will say this. It was not easy. Trauma, anxiety, depression, floundering to find my path. It is my story, I honor it. You have your own story and I honor that with you. Once I was able to honor my story, and began conquering the challenges that were holding me back, my life changed drastically. I am sure with the right effort and patience, you will find the answers you are seeking.
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About Me:
I initially began working within the LGBTQIA+ community as an activist and community builder creating safe spaces for marginalized populations. Eventually, I returned to school and obtained a bachelors and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. While in school, I worked with at-risk youth in a gang violence intervention and prevention program in Albuquerque, New Mexico and later went on to complete an internship at a half-way house for men exiting the prison system with substance abuse issues. I continued to work at this program and eventually became the residential program manager where, while living on-site, I provided individual and group therapy, and oversight for the residents and resident-interns. During this time, I worked closely with the program director in creating a more evidence based program to reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and protect the overall well-being of the residents. I eventually became the Program Director for the agency and continued working towards creating a therapeutic community and transitional living program. When I left the agency, the agency had created a completely evidence based program individualized for both men and women exiting the prison system. The program included a community model and community treatment for domestic violence victims, substance abuse, trauma and abuse, PTSD as well as additional habilitative services to reduce future homelessness and recidivism. Feeling the need to further my clinical experience, I accepted a job in Massachusetts working with children and families that were at-risk for removal from the home. This program worked to stabilize families and assisted them in increasing their functioning to avoid further CPS involvement. I continued to work with children and families continued as I relocated to Indiana. Eventually, I became an independent contractor and clinical supervisor and provided therapeutic services to individuals of all ages with a specialty in teens and adults.
Throughout my life and career, I have sought to bring a more authentic experience to my personal life and my interaction with others. Whether that be through the mindfulness practices learned during my time as a deacon and abbot of a small religious order or through character development focusing on empathy and compassion. My views on the therapeutic relationship combine the understandings of evidence based practice, journeying together, and honoring the individual stories and strengths a person’s life contains. I chose to open Whole Person Counseling to further integrate my personal goals of authenticity, mindfulness, and community into a therapeutic setting that is safe and welcoming to all people.