LCSW, 4 years of experience
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from Louisiana, now based in Tennessee. My career has primarily revolved around nurturing the social, emotional, and behavioral growth of children aged from birth to six years old. This involves collaborating with caregivers such as parents, grandparents, and teachers to address both the individual needs of the children and the emotional support required by the caregivers themselves. Parent counseling, behavioral coaching and educational consultation services for parents of children ages birth to six are also available to private pay clients. Understanding your family's goals and challenges, I can use my expertise as an educator and mental health consultant to assist in paving the way for your child's future success. Alongside my passion for early childhood development, I'm deeply invested in advocacy work, particularly for individuals with other or more diverse mental illness, including those who have been incarcerated or hospitalized. Working with such a diverse clientele has afforded me extensive experience with populations that are often misunderstood.
In our first and second sessions together, we'll begin with introductions and time to really get to know one another. This is a time to build a safe, supportive environment- one where you can feel at ease during what might be a challenging period. I will begin understanding the unique hurdles you're encountering, and together, we'll map out a plan for moving forward. Children and adolescent clients- the initial session will be with the parent/caregiver only. This will allow us to explore concerns and realistic expectations for treatment.
I offer compassion and understanding to individuals who may not receive consistent support. Diving into the depths of emotions can be difficult without companionship. I aim to sit with you through those uncomfortable emotions. Feeling misunderstood or alone can make you feel as though you are on an island. As your provider, I pledge to be by your side, working with you to construct a vessel of resilience.
I really connect with clients who might feel a bit hesitant about reaching out for help. You know, as people—whether we're moms, hard workers, or new caregivers—it can be tough admitting when we're out of our depth. But here's the thing: we all have what it takes, sometimes we just need a little nudge to see it. It can feel pretty overwhelming or frustrating, but my clients are totally up for digging deep and finding new ways to make those hidden talents work for them again.
I’ve been utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within aspects of my client work for the past five years. Understanding the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors has proven invaluable. Together as a team, we establish clear goals, practice acknowledgment and acceptance, and develop coping strategies for personal challenges. Exploring beneath the surface enables clients to gain self-insight, cultivating a newfound sense of empowerment that may have felt had been lost.
Let's explore the depths of your unconscious thoughts, emotions, and past experiences to grasp their impact on your present behavior and relationships. We'll examine your behavior patterns, defense mechanisms, and unresolved conflicts that may have roots in childhood experiences. By uncovering these hidden dynamics, you can gain profound self-awareness and initiate significant transformations in your life.
Forensic psychology has been an incredibly powerful tool in my work across various forensic facilities and with diverse populations, both incarcerated and transitioning back into the community. In my other part-time role in Tennessee, I facilitate trauma and addiction groups, helping individuals understand how their past experiences and coping mechanisms have shaped their behaviors. By using trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions, I aim to create a safe space where participants can explore the roots of their pain, build emotional regulation skills, and develop healthier ways to cope. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how forensic psychology can empower individuals to heal, reduce recidivism, and begin building meaningful, stable lives after incarceration.
I use psychoeducation with parents because I’ve seen how powerful it can be in helping them feel more confident and connected to their children. With my background in early childhood development and caregiver support, I often meet parents who deeply care about their kids but feel overwhelmed or unsure about what their child’s behavior means. I love using psychoeducation to bridge that gap—helping parents understand the “why” behind their child’s emotions and behaviors, and giving them practical tools they can use day to day. For me, it’s about empowering parents to trust themselves, respond with empathy, and create a nurturing environment where both they and their children can grow and thrive together.