I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of PA who has worked in the behavioral health field for 30 years. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University and my master’s in social work (MSW) from The University of Pittsburgh. I have a varied and rich work history. I am a seasoned therapist in the fields of mental health and drug and alcohol treatment. In addition to being an outpatient therapist, I have been employed as a clinical supervisor and the Director of Mental Health Services. I am adept at treating clients with a wide range of issues, including managing stress, anxiety disorders, depression, grief & loss, adjustments & transitions, parenting issues, and trauma and abuse. I use an eclectic approach to therapy and incorporate various therapeutic techniques. I am certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Also, when requested by the client, I incorporate biblical principles and faith-based counseling into my practice
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions and then discuss the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create an individualized plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Having worked in various capacities and with different populations, I've designed a blueprint to help you identify the root cause(s) of your struggles and create an individualized plan that leads to measurable progress.
"You can't control everything that happens to you, but you CAN control how you respond. And in your response is your greatest power." This notion is central to CBT and the cornerstone of my therapy practice. I use CBT to teach clients the impact of thoughts upon feelings and actions.
DBT's motto is to Have a Life Worth Living! DBT builds upon CBT, but it's specifically adapted to assist clients dealing with more complex emotional regulation issues. At the core of this treatment is the use of mindfulness. DBT aims to help clients understand and accept difficult emotions, develop skills to manage these emotions, and make positive changes. The 'Dialectical' means viewing two ideas that are the opposite but could both be true. An example of dialectical thinking is "you are doing the best you can AND you are working hard one day at a time to improve." This way of viewing ones' work in therapy provides motivation and hope!
Faith-based counseling is provided for clients seeking therapy from a Christian worldview. Evidence-based treatment modalities are coupled with biblical truth to help clients experience God’s love, grace, and mercy while unlocking their full potential and discovering God’s plan for their lives.