LCSW, 19 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from Marywood University. I have 19 years experience as a clinical psych specialist helping adults manage anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I work with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck in negative thought patterns, or are navigating difficult life changes. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate and safe space where one can feel empowered to move forward with confidence.
Starting therapy can feel a bit daunting, but knowing what to expect in your first session can help ease any anxieties. The initial session is primarily about information gathering, building rapport, and setting a foundation for your work together.
As a provider, I bring a unique set of strengths that are foundational to the supportive and effective environment I strive to create for every individual. Deep-Rooted Compassion First and foremost, compassion is at the heart of my practice. I believe in approaching every person with genuine empathy and understanding, recognizing that each journey is unique and often challenging. This means I'm committed to listening without judgment, offering warmth, and validating your experiences. You can expect a safe space where you feel truly seen and heard, especially during vulnerable moments. A Mind Open to Possibility My open-mindedness allows me to approach each situation without preconceived notions. I understand that solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, and I'm always ready to explore diverse perspectives and tailor our work to your specific needs and goals. This flexibility ensures that our approach remains dynamic and responsive to your evolving circumstances, fostering an environment where growth and discovery are always possible. Space to Share and Explore Ideas Finally, I am dedicated to creating a generous space for you to share your ideas, thoughts, and feelings freely. This isn't just about active listening; it's about fostering a collaborative environment where your voice is paramount. I encourage you to bring forward your insights, questions, and even your uncertainties. Together, we can explore these ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop strategies that genuinely resonate with you. This collaborative spirit empowers you to be an active participant in your own progress and well-being.
I have experience working with individuals from all walks of life who are facing a wide range of challenges—from anxiety, depression, and stress to relationship issues and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I provide a supportive, goal-oriented space where we can work together to identify patterns, build practical coping tools, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and transforming emotions to improve individual and relationship well-being. It's based on the idea that emotions are crucial for healthy functioning and that accessing and working with emotions can lead to significant personal and relational changes.
Grief counseling, or grief therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals cope with the emotional, physical, social, and cognitive responses to loss. It aims to assist in processing grief, accepting the loss, and moving forward.
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for many years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety and depression. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy specifically designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It helps individuals challenge and modify unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that arise from a traumatic event, aiming to improve their overall functioning and reduce PTSD symptoms. CPT focuses on identifying and modifying "stuck points," which are negative thoughts that prevent individuals from fully processing the trauma and moving forward.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals manage intense emotions, cope with challenging situations, and improve relationships. It's based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but it's adapted for individuals who experience emotions very intensely. DBT focuses on teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.