About Me As a licensed professional counselor with over 18 years of mental health experience, I have worked in various settings before transitioning to private practice and, most recently, virtual counseling. I am honored to have played a role in advocating for telemental health services, particularly recognizing the lack of access in rural Pennsylvania. My career began with a focus on children and adolescents, but I also have extensive experience working with adults and geriatrics. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, private practice, family-based services, juvenile detention, schools, universities, and prisons. Starting my own practice during the pandemic has allowed me to achieve a better work-life balance and dedicate my full attention to providing quality care to my clients.
During the first session, I will evaluate your presenting problems and complete assessments. At this point, we will determine if we would be a good fit. If we are both in agreement to move forward with treatment, we will collaborate on a treatment plan to work on together. We will discuss frequency and length of treatment. If either parties determine this is not a good fit, the goal is to find you a therapist that can better suit your needs. I have a plethora of referral resources to best meet your needs.
Ability to take feedback and learn and grow every day.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through PESI. Using a workbook adapted by Marsha Linehan, I help clients regulate emotions, improve interpersonal skills, practice mindfulness, and build distress tolerance. My primary goal in DBT is to promote acceptance and validation of who you are, while exploring the challenges and benefits of change. To be a good candidate for DBT, clients must be self-harm free and in a safe environment.
I am EMDR informed and currently working toward certification. Using EMDR, I help clients reduce distress symptoms related to traumatic events through bilateral eye stimulation. Sessions are conducted via a virtual platform, where we navigate the process together. For those with Apple devices, I can recommend EMDR tappers that use vibration for added support during sessions.
As I transition to a fully telehealth-based practice, I have adapted a variety of tools and activities, including Uno, Battleship, sand tray, dollhouse, Legos, and puppets, to enhance therapy sessions.
I use the Gottman Method, including the Four Horsemen and their antidotes, to help improve relationships.