I am passionate in my job of creating the enabling environment for clients to explore the disparity between where they are now and where they want to be with their desired goals in life. As a trusted ally of my clients, I provide empathic listening, compassionate presence, and nonjudgmental support to them. At the heart of my counseling engagement are the core values of trust, respect, empathy, warmth, and genuineness, which lead to insight, healing, change, and growth in clients. My culturally sensitive approach makes me aware and appreciative of the layers of difference among the multiculturally diverse populations I work with. I see my role as a midwife in helping clients “deliver” solutions and insight to their issues.

Since there is no one-size-fits-all counseling modality, I am integrative in style and I tailor each counseling relationship to the unique situations and needs of clients. However, I apply the fundamental principles of the Person-centered humanistic orientation, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with whatever techniques I adopt. Because we are spiritual beings in material bodies, I integrate spirituality, faith, and religion into counseling. Ethically I cannot impose it, so I follow the informed consent or lead of the client. I also work with clients to address a variety of issues such as grief and loss, bereavement, alcohol and substance use disorders, career counseling, coping skills, chronic illness, marriage issues, addictions, among others.

I hold a PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia, a Master of Science degree in Guidance & Counseling from the College of New Rochelle, NY, and an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University, Queens, NY. Based on my education, clinical training, and work experience, I have the knowledge, competence, and attitude to help clients resolve or manage their issues and achieve their therapeutic goals.

The saying goes that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. I encourage you to take that counseling step today, and I promise to walk and work with you every step of the way!