I graduated with my bachelors and masters in social work from East Tennessee State University in 2012. I have over 11 years of experience working with ages 2 and up of all walks of life. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to take action and want to better understand their needs. My areas of expertise include trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and HIV/AIDS. I also has significant experience working with women’s issues, LGBTQ+-related issues, and chronic pain. My goal as the provider is to provide a safe place to identify pain, explore options, and find solutions. I am a wife and mother of two. I love spending time with my family outside, at the beach, and trying new things.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
After your first session, we will develop a treatment plan and track progress every 90 days, while making adjustments to treatment as needed. I will be giving you feedback on your progress throughout the process. You can expect the first 90 days to give some relief of your symptoms. By the 6-month mark you should be feeling increased confidence in your mindfulness practice and beginning to feel more in control of your life. Between 6-9 months in, you will display increased intention on how you utilize your sessions and start to feel your growth. In the 9–12-month phase of treatment, most clients are working on relapse prevention and maintenance. If treatment continues past the 12 month mark, then we will reassess and update our course of treatment.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I have training in Motivational Interviewing, Multisystem Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. I utilize these therapy models and approaches to address clients’ needs based on their unique situations.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My clients often refer to me as warm, empathetic, and easy to understand. I break things down to educate clients on the functions of the mind, how environment and physiology impact mental health-related issues, and the significance of trauma. I teach clients how to identify the multilayered causes to their symptoms and address those causes effectively. I teach clients how to practice cognitive coping strategies and how to identify behavioral strategies that work. I teach client's how to set boundaries with themselves and others, and how to prioritize their needs. Clients who fit well with me may or may not identify as non-religious and may identify with the LBGTQ+ community.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Non-religious, LGBTQ+ Age 13+