I am a last semester Intern in the Couples and Family Counseling track in VCU’s Counselor Education program. Examining patterns of interactions is crucial for understanding how the past impacts the present. We are the product of our environments. We do the best we can to survive and adjust to the people and places that we are subject to. These processes and behaviors stay with us throughout our lives, and they can be reinforced by the relationships that we seek out as adults. Along with this, I believe that people are built for relationships. Whether that be familial, platonic, romantic, workplace, or any other type of relationship. People strive to be accepted by those around us, and this desire has an impact on how we see ourselves and others.

I utilize family systems theory, attachment theory, and person centered techniques to help clients understand how their past relationships and experiences impact their current lives. Having a non-biased and accepting therapeutic relationship is something that I strive for and it’s important
to the healing process. With younger clients, I utilize non-directive play therapy techniques that allows the client to feel comfortable and in control of their environment. This also allows children to process their past without the need for traditional verbal processing.