Hello! I'm Arnold. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience. I became a therapist because I wanted to be able to help those with their journey in their personal growth as well learning from those I treat as well.
My approach
My approach to therapy is more client/person-centered as well as Cognitive Behavioral in direction. I will validate, empathize, listen to you, and respect what part of your journey you are currently on. I am not a "bobblehead," therapist though, as I will gently challenge you, in order to help you attain the goals you set in treatment.
My focus
I primarily focus on individual therapy, although I am happy to consider couples therapy in certain circumstances. I am happy to help those battling Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Work Stress, and Relational Strain.
My communication style
I achieve to create an open environment that allows anyone I see to feel comfortable enough to want to start working on their journey with me. When working with me, you will not face any judgment or prejudice in regard to where you are at in your journey. I am in the present with you whether you are having a therapeutic cry or laughing ecstatically.
My journey to therapy
I have worn a few hats in my journey to becoming a therapist including law enforcement to working on the docks as a casual Long Shoreman. While working in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Probation Officer, I witnessed an amount of individuals with unique stories, who unfortunately, to put in plainly, kept getting into legal trouble. I understood and empathized with their situations and thought how could I help these individuals to live more productive lives. With that said it sent me on my journey and continues to drive me to help others.
My goals for you
I will always look to you in regard to setting the goals you wish to attain when you are working with me. I will also provide feedback in terms of the objectives or means of how you want to reach these goals. I will gently challenge you along the way to keep you on track and focused.
My first session with you
Typically during our first session, I like to hear from you as to why you want to start therapy. What struggles you are currently experiencing and get an overall general picture of who you are as a person. Sessions after that are used to gather a fairly detailed history of you, your background, your childhood years, family, etc.