Share via email
I am a New York State licensed Psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience. I earned my Master's in Social Work Degree from Fordham University in Manhattan, NY, a Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling from Pace University in Manhattan, NY, and a Master of Science Degree at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
My approach
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to highlight how negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings and actions—identifying specific problems or issues in the client's daily life. Becoming aware of unproductive thought patterns and how they can impact the client's life—identifying negative thinking and reshaping it in a way that changes how clients feel—teaching new behaviors and asking clients to put them into practice.
My focus
Setting goals with the client can be very helpful in multiple areas of the client's life. Goals can help clients face emotional and behavioral difficulties. Identifying a starting point helps the client face and understand exactly where they are in terms of their goal in treatment. Breaking goals down into small, manageable steps helps keep clients from getting overwhelmed. Work in collaboration with clients to achieve these short-term goals in order to accomplish long-term goals.
My communication style
In greeting a client for the first time, I make it clear I'm glad to see him or her. I smile, look them in the eye and say, "Good to see you." I ask focused questions and am welcoming. I engage the client to build rapport and establish a therapeutic alliance. I feel empathy, display a genuinely positive attitude, and am patient. Active listening and validating the client's thoughts and ideas by showing the client that his/her words are worth paying attention to. I respond by providing verbal and nonverbal feedback to show I am hearing and understanding what they are saying. I summarize what the client says and repeat it to him/her. I ask clarifying questions when a client tells a story. I make eye contact and use body language such as nodding, smiling, leaning forward, and making the client feel connected to the therapeutic relationship.
My journey to mental healthcare
I started my social work career working in the Child Welfare (Foster Care) system. I was placed in an outpatient mental health clinic in a hospital in White Plains, NY, for my social work internship during my Master's Degree at Fordham University. I liked working with this population, especially with patients with Co-Occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse disorders). That's how I got interested in the mental illness population. So I got my LCSW-R (Psychotherapy Privilege) in New York State in 2004. And I have worked in various Outpatient Mental Health Article 31 clinics in the New York City area as a Clinical Supervisor over the years. I worked off and on in my Private Practice working with clients with different mental health diagnoses. I have been working with the mental health population since 2004.
My goals for you
Facilitating behavioral change. Helping improve the client's ability to both establish and maintain relationships and helping enhance the client's effectiveness and their ability to cope. Helping promote the decision-making process while facilitating client potential. These goals are guidelines for helping clients make positive changes and developing appropriate Discharge Criteria: when the client reports a reduction in symptoms for a period of 6 to 12 months. The client will have learned coping skills and will utilize outside supports/resources to aid in such at the time of discharge.
My first session with you
During the first session, I'll ask the client what the symptoms are. What brought him/her to therapy? What do you feel is wrong in your life? I'll ask some questions about the client's history, including childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), current living situation, and career. I'll come to an agreement with the client about the length of treatment (goals and objectives), therapeutic intervention to be used, and patient confidentiality.
