Counseling
Our Philosophy of Service Provision
I believe that Psychology is both an art and a science. I utilize the empirical findings of psychotherapy research in employing creative, culturally grounded interventions and strategies in counseling. The most important aspect of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. Thus, I work to create a safe and caring environment in which people can work toward self-actualization, understanding, and balance within their lives and relationships. My clients find my laid-back and nurturing, yet challenging style of interacting both comforting and stimulating. I work from an integrative theoretical approach; most often combining an insight-oriented approach while viewing issues from family systems and sociocultural perspectives.
People usually come to counseling because they are in pain; experiencing dark points in life or relationships. I believe in our natural desire and ability to heal. Sometimes we need assistance in finding the path to happiness. The purpose of luminesce is to provide the safe environment and conditions where this can occur. I encourage clients to work through the current issues resounding in their life and develop insight into their own patterns of behavior and relationships to become empowered and emit long lasting change within their lives.
My clinical work is focused on helping adults and adolescents work through pain and life transitions to achieve health and wholeness. I provide individual and couples/marital counseling to people from all ethnic and cultural groups. Although I am a generalist by training, I specialize in the following issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Women’s and gender issues
- Sexual identity
- Racial and cultural issues
- Religious and spiritual issues
- Sexual assault
- Post traumatic stress
- Eating Disorders
- Family issues
- Health issues
- Immigration issues
- Clergy
- Adjustment issues (particularly to social class and status change)
