(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various mental health settings including outpatient therapy, inpatient/residential treatment, community mental health, and school social work. I pride myself on being a patient-centered therapist and understanding that you are the expert in your own life. My primary goal as a therapist is to empower you to find and achieve your personal definition of peace and fulfillment. My academic background includes my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as my Bachelor of Science in Sociology with minors in Family Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from James Madison University.
Our first session will be focused on getting a comprehensive understanding of your background and what you would like out of your therapy. We will discuss your mental and physical health, social and emotional history, current living situation, and strengths/weaknesses. I will be understanding if there are things you are not comfortable sharing during your first session! You can share as much or as little as you like.
My greatest strengths as a therapist include my ability to meet people where they are, my experience with a variety of types of patients, and my patient-centered approach.
My ideal patients are individuals motivated to take control of their lives and work towards personal fulfillment! Some specific groups include: Children and parents struggling with behavior at home or at school, Parents struggling with managing their children's behavior or having trouble connecting with their children emotionally, Individuals with ADHD, Individuals struggling with identity or LGBTQIA+ issues, Members of the LGBTQIA+ community who would feel more comfortable navigating mental health issues in an affirming setting, Individuals struggling with systemic oppression, Individuals with trauma or PTSD, Individuals with personality or mood disorders, Individuals struggling with relationships or self esteem, Individuals who are currently or have previously been in the foster care system, and Individuals struggling with chronic illness.
Other specialties
I identify as
Humanistic
As a client-centered therapist, I understand that you are the expert in your own life and that you know yourself better than anyone else ever will. This is why I utilize the humanistic therapy approach that promotes acceptance, compassion, and understanding of self. I am here to support you on your personal growth journey, whatever that may mean to you.
Psychodynamic
We are all shaped by our personal experiences and circumstances. Through psychodynamic therapy, we can better understand why we are the way we are, and through that understanding we can build compassion and empathy for ourselves, as well as help ourselves grow out of harmful habits and make decisions that better align with our personal values and goals.
Feminist
Feminist therapy is intended to empower us through understanding the effect of systematic oppression on our mental health, helping us to externalize factors outside of our control. Feminist therapy approaches can be beneficial for all types of patients, but can be particularly effective for members of underrepresented and underserved communities (such as BIPOC, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people experiencing poverty, etc.)
Gender-affirming therapy
My academic background includes special focus on women, gender, and sexuality studies and my approach to treating LGBTQIA+ patients is rooted in research, facts, and evidence-based treatment. Your therapy will be a safe space for you to explore yourself on your own terms and at your own pace, without judgement or fear. You are the expert in your own life and you know yourself better than anyone else ever will. My goal is to help you feel the most yourself, whatever that may look like to you!