(she/her)
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a wide range of mental health concerns. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and national certification, I bring a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care that begins with accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in diverse settings—including schools, group homes, hospitals, and outpatient clinics—which has given me a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face. In addition to clinical work, I teach psychology at local colleges and universities and actively contribute to my community through volunteer work. As a board-approved LPC Supervisor in Virginia, I also enjoy mentoring students and Residents as they grow into confident, ethical professionals. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or looking for professional guidance, I’m here to provide a thoughtful, experienced, and collaborative approach to care.
Your first session—often called an intake session—is an important starting point in your therapeutic journey. You can expect a welcoming, supportive environment where your comfort and privacy are a priority. This initial meeting is designed to help us get to know each other, establish a sense of trust, and begin building the foundation for our work together. We’ll start with a brief introduction to help establish rapport, followed by a thoughtful assessment where I’ll ask questions about your background, current concerns, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with—there’s no pressure, and we’ll move at your pace. We’ll also discuss any previous experiences with therapy or mental health services, and you’re welcome to bring up specific issues you’d like to focus on. I’ll provide an overview of potential treatment approaches that may be helpful for your unique situation, and we’ll talk through what future sessions might look like. Confidentiality will be emphasized throughout the session, so you can feel secure knowing your information is protected and your privacy respected. The intake session is not only about gathering information—it’s also about making sure you feel heard, supported, and confident in moving forward.
Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or for your child, my goal is to provide a supportive, informed, and individualized experience. With extensive training in a wide range of treatment approaches—and a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—you can expect sessions that are both practical and deeply personal, focused on helping you develop insight, emotional resilience, and the tools to manage life’s challenges. In addition to therapy, I bring specialized knowledge in psychological assessment, academic and personality testing, and psychoanalytic theory. While I do not currently offer formal testing services, I am well-equipped to help you understand and apply results from previous evaluations to enhance your self-awareness or guide treatment planning. I have over two decades of experience working with clients across the lifespan, including children as young as one, adolescents, and adults of all ages. My background as both a teacher and counselor allows me to support families navigating school-related concerns, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and developmental assessments. I am also certified in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), and while I do not provide diagnostic assessments in this setting, I can offer informed support for individuals and families living with autism. No matter your age or stage of life, you can expect a warm, collaborative environment where your experiences are respected and your goals are the focus. Each session is designed to help you gain clarity, feel empowered, and take meaningful steps forward.
I enjoy working with both children and adults and have experience supporting clients across all stages of life—including infants as young as six months. Whether it's helping a young child navigate early developmental challenges or guiding an adult through life transitions, I bring a compassionate, informed approach to every session. My ideal clients are those who are motivated for change and open to engaging in the therapeutic process. Therapy is most effective when you come with a clear sense of why you're seeking help and a willingness to explore your goals. You don’t have to have everything figured out—that’s what we’ll work on together—but being ready to participate actively and honestly makes a big difference in our progress. If you’re someone who values personal growth, is open to reflection, and is ready to invest in yourself or your child’s well-being, we’re likely to be a good fit. I strive to create a space where meaningful change can happen—and where you feel supported every step of the way.
When requested, I incorporate a sensitive Biblical approach to the techniques of cognitive behavioral & family therapies.
The Cognitive Model encourages us to see connections between our thoughts and feelings. By challenging our distorted thoughts we can achieve greater control of our own emotional wellbeing.
I am honored whenever couples allow me to be part of their journey. My goal is to help couples navigate difficulties and set achievable goals for a healthier relationship.
You have to be your own best friend and Person-Centered therapy reminds us of this.
Play therapy is utilized with children to help them safely express emotions and thoughts when they just can’t find the words.