(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master's degree from Delaware State University and have been practicing for 16 years. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to assist them with developing coping skills to manage depression and anxiety, to manage substance use disorders, trauma focused CBT, and other mental health issues that individuals request treatment for.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Having worked with children, youth, and families for the past 16 years, I've become good at identifying the root cause of your challenges and creating a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.
I love assisting adolescents with developing coping skills to manage their anxiety and depression symptoms and to improve their self esteem. I also love working with adults that also need support with developing coping skills, manage emotions, and accomplish their goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Together with the patient, I establish specific and achievable therapy goals that focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
I coach parents in using specific play therapy techniques to enhance the parent-child relationship, such as praise, reflection, imitation, and behavior descriptions, to promote positive interactions and strengthen bonding.
Psychoeducation
I provide clients with information about their diagnosis, symptoms, and how mental health conditions can impact their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This helps reduce stigma, increase awareness, and normalize their experiences. I teach clients practical coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. By learning these skills, clients can better manage their symptoms and navigate challenges effectively.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I educate patients about the effects of trauma on the brain and body, common reactions to trauma, and the principles of TF-CBT. This helps normalize their experiences, reduce feelings of shame or self-blame, and increase their understanding of the treatment process. I teach patients coping skills to manage distressing symptoms related to the trauma, such as relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and emotion regulation strategies. These skills empower patients to cope effectively with triggers and intense emotions.
Supportive
I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance with my patients by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard. This helps create a trusting and supportive relationship where patients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. I actively listen to patients' concerns, thoughts, and emotions without judgment. I use reflection to summarize and validate what patients share, demonstrating understanding and empathy. This reflective process can help patients gain insight, clarify their thoughts, and feel heard.