Hello, there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) raised in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and have been supporting clients in the area since 2021. Outside of private practice I volunteer as a crisis counselor and victim's advocate for those who have suffered consent violations/sexual assault within kink and alternative communities. I am queer, non-binary, and identify as a "kinky relationship anarchist." I was an active member of various kink and polyamorous communities across the country from 2011 to early 2024 and continue to support these communities through education and mental health outreach. In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, and connecting with nature. I find fulfillment in spending time with loved ones, giving back to my community, and the active pursuit of deepening my spiritual path.
After introducing ourselves you can expect the first 10 minutes to be spent reviewing important policy information for things such as confidentiality, scheduling, and communication between sessions. I will then spend about five minutes discussing what you can expect from therapy and its limitations. We will also discuss what to expect in future sessions (hint: much of this can be determined by YOU!) The remainder of our session will be spent discussing the circumstances that lead you to reach out. My primary goal will be to get to know you better and assess how I might be able to support you.
As a provider, I offer a mixture of unconditional positive regard and compassionate accountability. I create a space where it is safe to explore ways in which you might have been wrong or unskilled and I will ask questions to support you in holding yourself accountable for the growth and change you desire.
You deserve to be celebrated as more than the burdens you carry. Providing trauma-informed care means shifting the focus of our time away from asking, "What's wrong with you?" and instead asking, "What's happened to you?" This has been a cornerstone of my approach with clients for the past three years and allows you to show up as your most authentic self without fear of judgment. You will notice my trauma-informed approach during sessions and beyond. I am your therapist, but I am also the mediator between you and a complicated medical system. I will advocate for your needs, continued medical coverage, and support you in finding any additional wellness resources if needed. I offer deep and continued grace regarding your scheduling needs and provide a collaborative approach to communicating between sessions based on mutual respect and need.
Throughout my time in practice, I have realized that client's frequently benefit from strengthening one or more skills associated with DBT (mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance). This is one of my primary treatment modalities and I often incorporate the practice and learning of DBT skills into sessions. If you appreciate straightforward tools to use between sessions then I will offer handouts and worksheets. Sessions might be spent learning a new skill, identifying when and how to use it in daily life, and collaborating on how we can tailor it to your unique needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method for improving many symptoms, experiences, and mental health concerns. The way we perceive the world, and our role within it, has a profound impact on our lives. These perceptions often develop early in life and may no longer serve us in adulthood. I have engaged in CBT training and use this modality to support clients in managing mood symptoms, improving sleep, and getting rid of undesired behaviors.
I find that having clear short-term goals can help keep clients motivated and engaged. Early in treatment, we will collaborate and you'll have the chance to develop measurable goals that matter to YOU! These will help guide treatment and be used to celebrate each step you take toward transforming your life. I have been helping clients make meaningful changes in their lives through solution focused treatment for three years.