About Dr. Lager
I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago with a focus on developmental and multicultural issues in psychotherapy and a combined Masters Degree and Specialist Degree (M.Ed./Ed.S.) in Mental Health Counseling from one of the nation’s top ranked Counselor Education programs at the University of Florida. I am currently licensed in the state of Florida to practice clinical psychology independently and am a registrant of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
I have over twelve years of clinical training and experience working with diverse children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples within university counseling centers, outpatient centers, inpatient child/adolescent and substance abuse hospitals, and school settings. My clients sought treatment for a variety of presenting issues ranging from short-term transitional concerns to more long-standing, deep-rooted issues. I have an integrative treatment approach and philosophy based on the individual needs of my clients that combines evidence-based cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, relational, and acceptance-based approaches (e.g., mindfulness).
In my experience, I have found that there is too often an emphasis on “problems” or “what’s wrong” with individuals that seek therapy, often creating a negative stigma. My therapeutic style is unique in that I take ample time to thoroughly understand the issues that bring my clients into treatment while simultaneously discovering, highlighting, and utilizing their strengths and successes to carefully develop focused and realistic treatment goals. This is done in the context of considering each client’s unique cultural background and life experiences. My aim is to help restore your sense of well-being and balance as quickly as possible by fostering self-reliance, self-acceptance, and self-awareness in a caring, accepting environment. I view the therapeutic relationship as a primary agent of change and work to ensure this relationship develops into one that is both safe and collaborative. I believe that each person is the expert of their life. We will work together to develop both short-term and long-term goals and consistently measure our progress toward achieving them. It is my role to foster greater self-awareness so a unique path toward a sense of balance can be realized by my clients.
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