(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 27 years of experience working with individuals and families from all walks of life. I specialize in treating adults and seniors who are experiencing challenges associated with emotional health, medical/physical health and the stressors that accompany those conditions. I have extensive experience in working to support clients with depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders. Additionally, I have expertise in navigating complex medical, mental and physical care needs in support of caregivers and families who are struggling to care for an aging loved one. Dementia care is an area of special interest and expertise as well.
Our first session will be focused on determining what you're primary concerns are. The first time we meet, we will exchange information to get acquainted a bit, and then I will guide you through an initial assessment. This is mostly a question and answer exchange to give me a thorough understanding of what brings you to therapy. This assessment is intended to help us identify the most important concerns you have, the treatment options for addressing those concerns, and my recommendations for moving forward. If we determine that I am not the best fit to be your therapist, I am always happy to support you in connecting with another provider more suited to meet your needs.
I prefer to connect with my clients with a warm and direct approach, using humor and levity when needed. My style is practical, pragmatic, skills and solution focused. My clinical approach is client centered and honoring of all persons including persons of color, immigrants and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I prioritize establishing long term and short term goals and utilizing evidence based treatments to ensure the best outcomes for all of my clients.
My ideal clients are adults and/or seniors who may be experiencing comorbid medical and mental health conditions. They may be experiencing caregiver stress/burnout, navigating care for another person (sometimes children and parents at the same time) while managing their own healthcare needs. With nearly three decades of experiencing in working with individuals experiencing challenges in multiple areas of life to include personal/psychsocial, emotional/mental health, and physical/medical health, I am available to effectively support clients with these complex needs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a primary therapy intervention due to the it's practical and easy utilization. I've used CBT techniques throughout my 27 years of practice with tremendous success. My clients consistently report significant impacts on their well being as a result of the CBT work we do.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is utilized in providing support to clients in managing intense emotions and dysregulation, improve self defeating behaviors, improve personal relationships and effectively balance acceptance of what cannot be changed with positive action towards what can be changed.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize strategies of Acceptance and Commitment therapy to support clients in developing skills to face and accept difficult emotions, rather than avoiding them. This powerful strategy develops emotional resilience and psychological flexibility that every person needs to live and function well.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is a useful therapeutic approach for when you are feeling "stuck" and/or having a difficult time figuring out how to move forward, make changes, or activate behavior.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness based interventions are foundational in my engagement with my clients. The development of mindfulness based practices is effective in the treatment of emotional and medical conditions.