(she/her)
Welcome — I'm so glad you're here. Reaching out for help takes courage, and I want you to know that I see your strength in taking this first step. Whether you're navigating trauma, struggling with addiction, or facing mental health challenges, I’m here to support you in your healing journey. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the fields of trauma, addiction, and mental health. I specialize in working with individuals and families dealing with childhood trauma and abuse, family crises, child welfare involvement, co-occurring disorders, substance use, and complex mental health needs. My approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based. I believe that healing happens in a safe, supportive space where you are truly seen and heard. I use a combination of evidence-based treatments, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Play Therapy, tailored to meet your unique needs. In addition to being a published author and nationally-recognized trauma trainer, I’m an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Basic Trainer, TF-CBT Certified Therapist, a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, a Restorative Justice Practitioner, and a SAMHSA Certified Trauma Informed Criminal Justice Trainer. I bring this expertise to every session, always aiming to help you feel empowered and understood. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward healing, I’m here to walk alongside you.
During our first session, we’ll take time to get to know one another and talk about what brought you to therapy. Together, we’ll identify your goals and discuss what changes you’d like to see in your life to know that therapy is working. This is your journey, and my role is to help guide and support you along the way. We’ll begin building our therapeutic relationship and creating a safe space where you feel comfortable and understood. From there, we can begin processing past trauma and develop strategies to move toward healing. Every step of the way, I’ll be here to support you — empowering you to make meaningful changes at your own pace.
I specialize in treating trauma and, more specifically, have significant expertise in treating childhood traumas such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, adoption, and foster care, as well as substance use disorder.
Individual and family therapy clients experiencing Trauma, PTSD, foster care/adoption, LGBTQ, substance abuse. Children, adolescents, adults, families.
I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and hold additional certifications to provide clinician consultation and teach Basic EMDR Training. With extensive experience using this powerful treatment method, I have had the privilege of being published multiple times on topics related to EMDR, which further deepens my understanding and passion for helping clients heal from trauma. EMDR is one of the core therapeutic approaches I use with my clients, particularly for those navigating trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. It’s a proven, effective technique that allows individuals to process and heal from difficult past experiences in a safe, structured way.
I am certified in TF-CBT and have used this treatment approach for more than 10 years.
I have extensive experience and training in child-centered play therapy and incorporate this treatment style with all children.
I have extensive experience providing trauma informed care and use this approach with all clients.
I love offering educational experiences, teaching, and leading workshops. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of speaking at numerous conferences and facilitating a variety of workshops for clients, clinicians, students, and other professionals. These opportunities allow me to share my knowledge and help others grow in their understanding of trauma, mental health, and effective therapeutic practices. Whether working with fellow clinicians or empowering clients and students, I believe in the power of education as a tool for healing and growth. My workshops are designed to provide practical skills and deeper insights, helping people better understand and navigate their own journeys, as well as strengthening their professional practice.