(she/her)
New to Grow
"As an LCSW, I specialize in treating the 'whole person' by exploring the intersection of substance use, domestic violence, and mental health. I provide a safe, confidential space to unpack deep-seated trauma, codependency, and addiction. Using a blend of CBT, attachment-based therapy, and motivational interviewing, I empower you to manage emotional dysregulation, develop effective coping skills, and build self-esteem. Whether you are navigating a crisis or seeking long-term recovery, I am here to provide structured, compassionate guidance to create lasting change."
Welcome! Our first session is a safe, confidential space designed as a mutual introduction. So it will be a getting-to-know-you' meeting rather than a deep dive into crisis. Should you be in crisis, we will address that first. My main goal is to listen, hear your story, and understand what brought you here, while helping you feel comfortable opening up at your own pace. We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve, cover essential confidentiality and administrative basics. This will help determine if we are a good fit, so you leave feeling heard in a trusted environment, and clear on our next steps."
I bring a calming presence and high ethical standards to volatile environments, specializing in substance abuse counseling, mental health stabilization, and comprehensive domestic violence advocacy. My strength lies in providing immediate stabilization for clients in acute crisis while creating a safe, non-judgmental space that empowers them to address the underlying traumatic experiences. I am adept at guiding individuals through the challenging journey from addiction to stability, focusing on trauma-informed care and actionable safety planning. Motivational interviewing, CBT, Trauma-informed, Approach, Feminist theory, Dual-Diagnosis, and Attachment based therapies are all methods I use. Again, I prefer a gentle, calm approach rather than direct approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT for the past almost 13 years. Using CBT to help individuals create a more positive outlook of themselves, or to reduce anxiety, and control the behaviors by changing the thought when triggered. It includes interconnectedness, by using thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and altering one can positively influence the others. It works well with many different areas, including substance use. This therapy approach has been very successful and clients are able to reduce negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Grief Therapy
I have been providing Grief therapy for the past 6 years. Grief therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of a significant loss, such as death, divorce, or trauma. It provides a supportive, safe space to explore intense emotions like sadness, guilt, and anger, focusing on developing coping mechanisms and navigating the profound life changes that follow. This type of therapy is very helpful in processing all areas of grief.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I currently use this in my daily practice working with victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I have been using ACT therapy for the past 3 years. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that boosts psychological flexibility by teaching individuals to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them. Clients will gain mindfulness and acceptance to help achieve greater psychological flexibility. ACT therapy has been successful for many struggling with these challenges.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have used SFBT for the past 13 years with clients who suffer from substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and life skills. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on building solutions rather than analyzing problems. By highlighting client strengths, exceptions to challenges, and future goals. SFBT helps individuals see possible and changeable rather than focusing the history or causes of problems. SFBT helps clients recognize they have the inherent strengths and resources to solve their problems. SFBT works towards achieving goals through manageable, small goals, in reasonable time.
Attachment-based
I have been using Attachment-based Therapy for the past 13 years. Attachment-based therapy is a form of psychotherapy focused on repairing insecure attachment styles stemming from early childhood trauma, neglect, or caregiver dysfunction. It helps children and adults build secure relationships, regulate emotions, and improve self-esteem by addressing how early bonds affect adult relationships. Key approaches include identifying attachment patterns, developing trust, and, in families, strengthening the parent-child. This approach has been successful in many areas of my practice.