Licensed to practice in Virginia and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression and 10 more.
New to Grow
I am a therapist based in Southwest Virginia, and a US Navy veteran. I work with adults across a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and anger. I have a particular interest in helping clients better understand and manage anger, whether it shows up as frustration, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed. My ideal client is someone who is open to self-reflection and ready to better understand their patterns, even if they are not sure where to start. They may feel stuck, reactive, or overwhelmed, and are looking for practical tools alongside deeper insight. I work well with individuals who want a collaborative, honest space where they can talk openly, be challenged when needed, and still feel supported. In terms of personality, I am grounded, direct, and approachable. I pride myself on being authentic, which can sometimes come off as goofy. I have a wide variety of educational experiences in regards to the human condition and love discussions around a variety of subject matters. I aim to create a space that feels both safe and productive, where clients can be themselves without judgment, but also move toward meaningful change. I value authenticity, humor when appropriate, and a straightforward style that helps clients feel understood while also making real progress.
In our first session, you can expect a grounded, authentic, and approachable space where you don’t have to have everything perfectly worded or figured out. I work at your pace, which means we’ll start with what feels most important and manageable for you, not a rigid agenda. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping will be different, and any past experiences with counseling so I can understand what has and hasn’t worked for you. I take a conversational approach, so it won’t feel like an interrogation or a rapid-fire list of questions. Building rapport, getting to know you as a person and helping you feel comfortable is just as important to me as gathering background information. You’re always welcome to pause, ask questions, or say if something feels like too much, and we can adjust together. Hopefully, by the end you will feel a little more understood, so we can find a path forward.
I have had a wide variety of life experiences which inform my practice and approach. I have worked with unhoused peoples, individuals with intellectual disabilities, inmates in a local jail, and with veterans. I have served in the US Navy in intelligence, I have degrees in International Relations and Sociology; and have had a lifelong interest in religions and philosophy. I'm grateful for the winding road of life experiences and think this provides me with a unique approach to therapy.
I work well with people who are ready to turn over a new leaf, especially around anxiety and anger. While I’m comfortable working with a wide range of clients, I’m particularly drawn to those who are tired of feeling stuck and want something different for themselves. I believe it has taken time to become who we are, so it will also take time and patience to grow into who we want to be. When we bring awareness and intention to that process, real change becomes possible and we can move closer to the version of ourselves we’ve been hoping for.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have a belief our thoughts and how we use our language are major factors in how we see the world and thus how we behave in the world. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a long history in Socratic questioning and thought. Socrates stated, "The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing." Socrates believed in self reflection and taking a critical look at ourselves and the world around us.
Existential
Victor Frankl stated: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." Existential therapy asks us to know ourselves and know the meaning and purpose for our lives for ourselves. When what we derive meaning and purpose coincides with our values we lessen the conflict inside and can move forward more confidently.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS understands we have inner conflict, but we most likely have a part of us, the self, who has our best interests at heart. IFS seeks to strengthen this part and but also give time for other parts to express themselves and be heard. The framework of IFS is a wonderful way of going inside and unapologetically and compassionately seeing how complex we are.