Raised in Lagos Nigeria until the age of sixteen, my journey to the United States, was one of courage in recognizing personal strengths necessary to navigate through life's obstacles and realizing personal happiness. Nigeria is a former British colony, having achieved independence in 1960, and while English remains her official language, Nigeria is a country made of several tribal regions. Three of which are very populous; the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Growing up in Nigeria I was exposed to two diverse cultures, Igbo and Yoruba tribal cultures; with my home of origin stemming from Igbo culture (Abia) and my schooling in Yoruba culture (Lagos). Through my experience growing up in these two cultures; from adjusting to spoken languages to differences in customs, I was afforded the opportunity to recognize universal similarities between people, an observation which was further reinforced with my transition to the United States.
I enjoy helping people; it's in my nature and a primary contributor to my personal growth. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology and I am currently a licensed professional counselor with the State of Arizona. While I am eclectic in the delivery of my therapeutic services, I primary adhere to the principles of person centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
I am non judgmental towards all my clients, and I help my clients play to their personal strengths, with the goal of becoming resilient to their personal struggles and being successful in all facets of their lives. I also work with my clients to identify unhealthy beliefs and values which contribute to their personal struggles, with the goal of adopting healthier and realistic beliefs and values, which will help them, thrive. This also involves behavioral assignments designed to form healthier habits which will in turn lead to a consistency in the client's new shift in thinking. I specialize in Anger management (difficulty in embracing humility despite a recognized need to do so, dealing with discrimination in the work place, dealing with partner or spousal conflicts without getting angry and disrespectful) ADD/ADHD,(Hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, feelings of being consistently disoriented in your head, difficulty in getting self organized and started) anxiety(constant worrying about health, money, irrational worry about wellbeing of self and others.) depression, (hopelessness, feelings of constant lethargy, painful sadness.) obsessive compulsive behaviors,(hand washing associated with an over conscious fear of germs, frequent checks of door knobs, car doors, gas and electric stoves, irrational rules i.e the number of times a door is to be closed.) and Trauma (reoccurring thoughts and lingering feelings from traumatic experiences such as fire, natural disasters, car accidents, sexual and physical assault.). In regards to trauma; as an Army veteran and having recently served in Afghanistan, I find myself understanding first hand what most soldiers, returning home and transitioning back to civilian life have been through. I have an extensive experience working with juveniles, with issues ranging from chemical dependency to sexual predatory behaviors; I prefer to work with members of this population in person.
I also enjoy running, (a habit I picked up from my time in service). I am a Clydesdale runner and to date I have ran and successfully completed two marathons and six half marathons. I also enjoy training youths for half marathons and by December of 2008, I would have had a total of 24 youths who have trained with me and successful finished half marathons.
I can practice through all mediums: Email, chat, audio visual and telephone. Email and chat are my most preferred, however I have access to the other mediums if preferred by a client.
Thank you for your time,
Ugochukwu Uche M.S., LPC
ugo@asktheinternettherapist.com
Ph: (520) 481-0670
Fax: (520) 843-2075 |