(she/they)
I am an LGBTQ+-affirming and Neurodivergent-affirming clinical social worker and psychotherapist licensed in Florida and Maryland. In my practice, I work with people of all ages who are dealing with the trauma, grief and stress of complex medical issues, and caring for others while trying to care for themselves. If you are caring for a parent, spouse, child or other loved one with complex needs, you may feel isolated, exhausted, overwhelmed and unappreciated. You are not alone in this!
In your first session with me, we will explore your reasons for coming to therapy, and discuss your goals for treatment. Together we will make a plan and determine what your success looks like. Additionally, we will get to know each other and build a sense of comfort and safety that will continue with each session thereafter.
While I have plenty of professional experience to draw on, I am also a person with a vast history of experiences including my own trauma, grief, and caregiving for family and friends with complex medical diagnoses. These experiences have led me to bring a sense of patience, openness, compassion, validation, and non-judgment. I believe strongly in letting my clients tell me who they are and what they need, rather than making assumptions.
I love working with parents who find themselves in the "sandwich generation" - raising children while also providing some or all support for aging parents, or other loved one with complex health issues. Caregivers often have health issues of their own, but don't have time to care for themselves as much as they need or want. That stress is usually combined with expectations of others, frequent trips to medical appointments or hospitals, and feelings of isolation, leading to burnout.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
When a client has a lot of thoughts that are holding them back, I use concepts from CBT to assist them in examining those thoughts, their beliefs, and how they speak to themselves. I encourage clients to make healthy shifts in their thinking and behaviors to bring them a clearer view of their self-worth, and mental wellbeing.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT skills frequently, helping my clients find specific coping methods to manage strong emotions, feelings of overwhelm, and difficulty getting along with others. We practice skills in the session so that they are easier to use when rational thinking goes out the window.
Trauma Informed Care
Past trauma often impacts us long after the threats are gone, so I will consider this whenever I am working with a client, even if we aren't specifically working on their past trauma. I have been using this approach for the entirety of my professional career in an attempt to not re-traumatize the person I am helping, and provide a safe, validating, and judgment-free space to work together.
Eclectic
I use many different treatment approaches, depending on the person and their needs. This often includes allowing you to take the lead in the treatment process, focusing on your strengths, exploring mind-body connections, and other approaches based on your specific situation.