What should I expect in our first session?
You can expect a thorough interview. I like to investigate the initial presenting issues to get a sense of how those things are affecting the client and where the patterns originated. I’ll ask you a lot of questions, including some that might not seem relevant but are helping me get essential background and context.
How do you describe your therapeutic approach?
I take a direct but gentle approach. I meet the client where they are and help them progress at a pace that is comfortable to them.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a nurse practitioner for under a year. Before that, I was a registered nurse for 12 years. Working as an RN in psychiatric and emergency units helped me gain communication skills and learn how to build therapeutic relationships with my clients. For outpatient experience, the knowledge and skills I gained as a Mobile Crisis nurse helped me foster an attitude of truly meeting people where they are at.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Genuinely making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small. I love receiving emails from clients thanking me for helping them get over their fears, achieve certain life or professional goals, or just listening to them when that’s what they needed most.
What inspired you to get into counseling?
I’ve always been deeply curious of others, wanting to understand people, and do take a genuine interest in hearing each individual’s story. This sounds so cliche, but I just want to help people in any small way I can.
In another life, if you weren’t working in counseling, what would you be doing?
I would become a full-time cheerleading coach and own a cheer gym and/or open a boutique dog hotel fully equipped with a doggy spa, massage, swimming pool, dog run, playground, the works!
What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I was not actually born in the U.S. My family and I immigrated from the Philippines when I was 3 years old.
What is a self-care ritual you practice?
Eating chocolate, getting massages and watching Survivor.