New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth. I use an integrated approach. This work often supports relief from emotional distress, greater clarity, and a renewed sense of internal balance. I also incorporate strengths-based and systems-oriented perspectives, recognizing the importance of relationships, environment, and resilience in the healing process. When working with couples, I draw from Gottman-informed approaches and systems theory to help partners strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and shift long-standing relational patterns. I support couples in building empathy, trust, and connection while learning new ways to navigate conflict and repair. I believe every person has an innate capacity for healing. I also assist clients in connecting with resources and referrals when needed, so they feel supported not only in session, but in their day-to-day lives. Working with me often means having a consistent, grounded space to slow down, make sense of what feels overwhelming, and begin moving toward meaningful change. My goal is to support clients in building insight, resilience, and practical tools so they can experience greater clarity, healthier relationships, and a more connected and fulfilling life.
n a first session with me, you can expect a welcoming, supportive space where we begin by getting to know you and what brings you in at this time. I will meet you where you are, without judgment, and we will talk about what feels most important for you to address right now, whether that is related to stress, trauma, relationships, substance use, or overall emotional wellbeing. We will explore your current concerns, relevant history, and what you are hoping to change or improve in your life. I place a strong emphasis on understanding your unique experiences, strengths, and goals, so the direction of our work is guided by what matters most to you. Together, we will begin identifying self-defined goals and discussing what support might feel most helpful moving forward. I will also share how I work therapeutically, including my integrated approach using CBT, DBT, experiential therapies, trauma-informed care, and ART when appropriate. If relevant, we may begin discussing coping strategies or grounding tools that can offer immediate support outside of the session. You can expect the pace to be collaborative and gentle. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with, and my priority is creating a sense of safety and trust so you can begin the process of healing at a pace that feels right for you. By the end of the first session, we will typically have a clearer sense of direction and a shared understanding of how we can work together moving forward.
My strengths come from a deep, diverse background in behavioral health and over 25 years of direct experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through complex life challenges. This has occurred in a myriad of settings, from medical settings to treatment centers at all levels of care. I am grounded in a strong clinical foundation as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and my work has been shaped by years of walking alongside clients through addiction recovery, trauma healing, and co-occurring mental health concerns, as well as private practice. One of the approaches I am most proud of is my ability to integrate multiple modalities thoughtfully and flexibly. I draw from CBT, DBT, experiential therapies, trauma-focused work, ART, and systems theory, tailoring each approach to the person in front of me rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. I also incorporate a strengths-based lens in everything I do, helping clients recognize their resilience, capacity, and existing resources even in moments that feel overwhelming. I am deeply proud of my ability to be empathetic, grounded, and present with clients in a way that allows them to feel truly seen and understood. I focus on meeting people where they are, helping them feel safe enough to explore what has been painful or confusing, while also gently reconnecting them with their own insight and inner direction. A central part of my work is helping clients move closer to their authentic selves and clarify what they truly want for their lives, not just what they are trying to escape. I value being resourceful and empowering in my approach, often helping clients access practical supports, community resources, and referrals that strengthen their healing outside of sessions. Over time, I have seen meaningful results emerge when clients begin to trust their own voice, build healthier coping strategies, improve relationships, and feel more aligned with their values and goals. What I am most proud of is not a single method, but the depth of connection and change that can happen when clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to do their own healing work. Fundamentally, I believe it is vitally important to engage in one’s own inner work across the mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational dimensions of life. This ongoing process of self-reflection and growth supports a deeper sense of balance, awareness, and alignment with one’s authentic self. By t
I appreciate working with individuals and couples navigating a myriad of complex and unique concerns that arise from the human experience, including trauma, substance use, and co-occurring mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relationship distress. With over 20 years of experience, I support clients in facing life’s challenges with curiosity and compassion, and meet clients where they are at their pace. I work especially well with those who are capable of insight and open to a collaborative healing process, where their voice and lived experience are central to the work. My approach emphasizes each person’s natural capacity for healing and resilience, helping clients reconnect with their strengths while developing practical tools for growth. Whether someone is beginning their recovery journey or seeking to deepen their emotional well-being and relationships, I provide a supportive space that fosters understanding, connection, and meaningful, lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I take a warm, collaborative approach to supporting individuals navigating mental health and co-occurring disorders. I use an integrated approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy DBT, experiential therapies, trauma focused work, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy ART to meet each person’s unique needs. My work is grounded in a strengths based, systems oriented perspective, recognizing the importance of each client’s environment, relationships, and personal resilience. I also emphasize connection by helping clients access supportive resources and referrals, so they feel supported not just in session but in their everyday lives. Through this compassionate and individualized approach, I aim to create a space where clients can build insight, develop practical skills, and move toward lasting healing for themselves and their relationships.
Trauma Informed Care
In my practice, I incorporate Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) as a key component of trauma informed care, offering clients a structured yet gentle way to process and resolve distressing experiences. ART uses guided imagery and eye movements to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity without requiring clients to relive every detail. This approach allows for a sense of safety and control, while also providing validation of each client’s experience. By helping clients shift how trauma is stored in the body and mind, ART can promote rapid relief from symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress. I use this method alongside other therapeutic approaches to support healing, restore a sense of empowerment, and help clients move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
Couples Counseling
In my work with couples, I draw from Gottman informed approaches, systems theory, and a strengths based perspective to help partners improve communication and deepen their understanding of one another. I support couples in identifying patterns within their relationship, exploring how past experiences and current dynamics influence their interactions. Using practical tools to strengthen communication, increase emotional awareness, and build trust, I help partners move away from conflict-driven cycles and toward more connected, respectful engagement. By highlighting each couple’s existing strengths and fostering empathy, I create a supportive space where both individuals feel heard, validated, and empowered to grow together.
Integrative
In my practice, I use an integrated approach that brings together a range of therapeutic modalities to support the whole person and the complexity of their experiences. Rather than relying on a single method, I thoughtfully combine approaches such as CBT, DBT, experiential therapies, trauma informed care, and systems theory to meet each client’s unique needs. This allows me to address not only symptoms, but also underlying patterns, relationships, and life circumstances that impact wellbeing. Grounded in a strengths-based perspective, I work collaboratively with clients to create flexible, individualized treatment that supports growth, resilience, and meaningful, lasting change.