I approach counseling from a person-centered orientation. I believe in meeting the client where he or she is and that goals cannot be accomplished unless the client is truly ready to tackle the issue at hand. I try to empower my clients through strength building and self awareness: one who is sure of himself will be able to advocate on his own behalf with peers, parents, and teachers. By learning how to stand up for himself, the student will have less stress and more academic success.

When working with children and adolescents, it is crucial to maintain positive regard and to be able to put yourself in the client’s shoes, so to speak. Good rapport must be established between the counselor and the client. I always strive to create a bond with my clients, for I know that without a relationship, we will be unable to accomplish much in our time together.

It is crucial to see a child or an adolescent as who they are and not as the issue they present. Every child is different, and by approaching each client as a person, I better serve the students at my school and help them find the path to success.