Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 13 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma and PTSD and 9 more.
(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been practicing for over 18 years. In my clinical opinion, all therapeutic approaches come from a place of strength, validation and compassion. In my work, I focus on the concerns you feel comfortable sharing while validating your experiences, creating a compassionate and safe space which allows you to effect change and move past pain, loss, trauma and regret. I aim to teach you that the present moment is truly the gift we have, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Our past is behind us, it can neither hurt us any longer nor be changed. We do not know the future, it is not yet visible. Attempting to prepare for what is to come or holding tight to what is no more, takes us away from the present, the moments we have right now, preventing us from embracing the life we dream of. Old messages, hurts and grief often keep us stuck, holding onto a past that will always be a part of who we are, but in no way defines us. We are not "what" we have endured, rather it is the "what" which forged our strengths, awareness and resilience. The story we create is not written by anyone other than ourselves. The truth in life is that we are all good as we are, right now, in this moment. And the beauty in life is that we can grow to be better, no matter what we may have been told, witnessed or lived. You matter, your journey matters, your recovery is what you decide, what you want and I am proud to be a partner to you in this. Even if you select another therapist, remember you are worth it, always.
The first session is spent getting to know you a bit. I want to understand your story, from whatever space you feel safe sharing with me. The work is yours, your voice guides the process. I strive to understand your background and history as this can help me to gain a better understanding of what's happening while also allowing me to validate and recognize how you have been able to move forward, even when everything seems so hard. Safety is vital in therapy and connecting with someone who can provide that is so worthwhile. I believe this so wholeheartedly because I have been there, I've lived in fear and loss, in that space where the trauma feels like a constant presence, hanging onto your shoulder. Recovery is real, and whatever you determine it to be is so worth it. I want to understand whatever you feel comfortable enough to share.
I value humor and a relaxed approach. Just as I am getting to know you, you are getting to know me. I value transparency and aim to create a session that highlights what is meaningful to you while also prompting you to consider different responses. One of the main goals of therapy is to learn different tools to manage our situations, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and bodily sensations in a healthier way. I believe this is best accomplished through compassion, humor and flexibility.
I have extensive experience working with trauma and anxiety. I have my. own history of anxiety and trauma and I understand how these experiences can influence our life. I know how challenging it is to manage something that feels so large and out of control. I also know what it is to feel completely out of touch with my own body and how we can feel those around us can tell what's happened just by looking at us. I found my way through, I know there is light and I know we can find our way out of the darkness. Anxiety is real, trauma is real, but they cannot break us. I'm living proof. My training and background in DBT has allowed me to work extensively with mood disorders, substance use and personality traits. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan, including in medical social work, foster care, domestic violence and with perpetrators of sexual violence. An ideal client is an adult struggling with life transitions, whatever the individual person defines them to be. I understand very well how hard it can be to engage in therapy. I value individuals who come to me and express that they are not sure if therapy is for them. I do my best to create a sense of safety, to encourage each person to maintain the connection and to start the work.
I use CBT in my practice by educating clients on the process. By this I mean the connection between situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We all have a process and if we gain understanding to the ways in which our process affects us, we can learn tools to avoid becoming caught in what I call the "whirlpool," and approach life with what is called "wise mind," which simply means we are looking at what is happening from the balance between our thoughts and feelings.
CPT is an approach specific to trauma for individuals who carry a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This approach takes just 12-15 sessions and does not require a person to share the specific details of their trauma. Instead, the work focuses on understanding a person's "stuck points" and how they contribute to distorted thought processes. The approach is validated and evidence-based.
I work with DBT from the lens of finding what might be useful to the person and then teaching specific skills. The modalities of DBT include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT and CBT are linked because both work from understanding behaviors. I provide education, teach skills and monitor progress based on your needs.
This approach uses tools from DBT and encourages individuals to remain present in the moment. We do this by teaching strategies to help the person connect to what's going on around them. We also teach individuals how to avoid engaging in negative self-talk or blame.
Therapy should always work from strength, the strength of who we are and what we have experienced. Our experiences shape us and they are real, valid and deserve space to resolve, heal from while learning they do not limit us in finding the path to recovery. My work as a clinician evolved through my own recovery journey and my mental health. My lived experience allows me to connect with you, teach you to find and hold onto the places where hope lives so you can find balance and peace. My goal is to partner with you and work with you from where you are at. I strive to ensure that the work goes at your pace so you are comfortable and feel connected. Recovery is real, no matter what you have been through. The darkness we feel or see is often isolating and can be frightening at times, but there is a way through. I know it. I've breathed it, I've lived it and I'm here. The darkness isn't forever and you are so very strong already because you are still here.