New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addictions Specialist with decades of experience in the field. My passion is psychotherapy with adults and couples. I support my clients through a trauma-informed lens. I tailor my treatment approach to each client's individual needs. I am warm, supportive, non-judgmental. I consider it a privilege to partner with my clients in their healing.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session, expect an openness. Your voice is the important one in the room. I will guide you to talk through what is most important to you, so we can set an agenda and develop the outline of your treatment plan based on your concerns and priorities. I will make sure you are heard and every concern is addressed. You will tell me how I can best help you- what your preferred communication style is, what your expectations are for therapy, and you will be invited to ask any questions you like and share feedback so this is a comfortable and helpful experience for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Clients often seek me out as a Gen X therapist with decades of professional and life experience. Mindfulness and humor are often employed to keep us balanced and present. I have many years of experience, training and certification as an Addictions Specialist in addition to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have a unique understanding of the intersection and dynamics between trauma, mental health and substance use issues. After 20 years in child welfare, I have a comprehensive understanding of abuse and trauma, and a unique perspective and approach to integrating trauma into our human experience in helpful ways that strengthen and enlighten. We can create meaning and derive strength, purpose and beauty from adversity.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
If you are struggling with self worth, family relationships, anxiety, past trauma or depression, you are not alone, and you don't have to face it or figure it out alone. In treatment, we will build on your strengths and identify new ones. We will celebrate your successes and map out the strategy to get you to where you want to be in life. We will have honest conversations to guide you to live your best life and be the best possible version of your happy, healthy, well adjusted self.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is an effective, evidence based modality that allows the client to reach their own conclusions about what they want and how to get there. It is often employed in substance use counseling, and is an effective tool for many other areas of desired growth and change.
Trauma Informed Care
As a 24-year veteran working in child welfare, trauma-informed practice is a hallmark of my practice daily. Trauma is stored in the body at a cellular level. It doesn't have to break or damage you, but it's important to work with clients through the lens of and with sensitivity to their trauma histories.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Breathe. Ground yourself. Observe your thoughts and feelings as they come and go. Learn to stay in the present moment and harness your body and mind connection. Learn to let go of that which you have no control. It's important to employ mindfulness, self care and intentionality in our daily life and our work together.
Psychodynamic
It's critical to identify early childhood experiences that shape our interactions, attachment styles and relationships throughout adulthood. Examine transgenerational and learned familial patterns on repeat that may be maladaptive now. Perhaps they once served to protect you and became stuck.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We all hold core beliefs about ourselves, others and life. Some may be grounded in objective reality. Others may be holding us back or poisoning our present. It's critical to examine our thinking patterns and learn how to change some of them so we can get out of our own way.