(she/her)
New to Grow
I am originally from California, and have been practicing mental health therapy since 2014. I moved to East Tennessee in 2018, and fell in love with the beautiful mountains. I am licensed and can practice clinical psychology in both Tennessee and Virginia. Since 2021 I have been a caretaker to my elderly mother. I am now returning to work to once again provide therapy. My school background in psychology centered around children and young adults and neuropsychology (aka I'm the person who administers tests such as the WISC, WAIS, MMPI-2, MOCA, yep even the Rorschach test, and many more).
During the first session my priority is getting to know you as a client. Reviewing your intake materials with you, and going over your treatment goals and what you would like to get out of therapy. I will also ask questions regarding your expectations of therapy, previous therapy experience, and discussing together the path forward of what therapy would look like. Therapy is tailored to the individual as no two clients are alike. I often provide additional material, such as handouts on deep breathing techniques. From time to time I may give homework, such as sitting in the sun for 5-minutes per day. We will also discuss how often you want to meet (once per week, once every two weeks, etc.)
My greatest strengths as a therapist is providing an empathetic and safe environment, and utilizing different therapy techniques to best serve my clients. I understand that no two clients are the same and will not use cookie cutter treatments. As a therapist, I too, am constantly learning and growing. I am humble enough to relay if I don't not know something.
I work well with clients seeking therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and/or adjusting to transitional life goals, caretaker stress, and child behavioral issues. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, intertwined with mindfulness therapy and art therapy practices. Therapy goals include understanding symptoms and emotions, working together to formalize treatment goals, having a deeper understanding of personal impingements/blocks one faces, and implementing small steps to increase positive behavioral change.
Integrative
I follow a client-centered approach, that utilizes the combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Mediation, and Psychodynamic therapy to best serve my clients and there particular needs. I am certified in Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT) and I am a certified facilitator in Circle of Security Parenting (COSP). I also have specialized training in neuropsychological testing with children, adults and the elderly. Treatment focuses on building rapport and learning each clients unique identification. One solution does not fit all, and it's about understanding the needs of the client to assist and help them live the life they want. Depending on the client, therapy may involve understanding their diagnosis (the educational aspect), learning about the benefits of all emotions and what they are trying to tell us, building coping techniques to handle difficult emotions/ situations (building your toolbox; meditation; grounding techniques, breathing techniques), healing childhood trauma from an attachment viewpoint, helping heal generational trauma and how to break the cycle, and above all providing a safe space. I also provide additional resources, materials, to help you build your own library of helpful tools.