LCSW, 20 years of experience
With decades of experience as an MSW and LCSW, I specialize in providing compassionate, client-centered therapy. My background in schools, hospitals, and private practice has equipped me with a deep understanding of diverse client needs. I utilize both talk and expressive therapy to help clients of all ages build resilience and improve their emotional well-being. My genuine passion is to partner with clients, working collaboratively on their terms to achieve their goals.
Your first session is a gentle starting point, focused on building a foundation of trust. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure, and I will guide you through each step with patience and empathy. We’ll begin by building rapport through a conversational approach, where you can share at your own pace. Together, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve for yourself or your child. Whether you're seeking relief from depressed mood, anxiety, trauma, communication, or simply hoping to feel more grounded, we'll discuss what matters most to you. This is also an opportunity for me to explain how therapy works and answer any questions you may have, so you feel confident about our path forward.
"My journey into therapy is grounded in a strong belief in the healing power of creative expression. For 15 years, my work at a community art center reinforced my understanding that art, play, and sensory tools can unlock powerful emotions in those who don't yet have the words to express them, especially children. I combine these creative methods, Experiential Therapy, with evidence-based behavioral approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength Based and Positive Psychology. My extensive experience across diverse environments—from schools and outreach programs to inpatient facilities and hospice—has given me a deep perspective on human resilience. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and my goal is to create a warm, supportive space where you feel empowered to build on your strengths and achieve meaningful personal growth."
"Whether you or your child are struggling to find the words to express difficult emotions, I am here to help you find a path forward. With a deep belief in the power of creative expression, I specialize in expressive therapies—including play, art, and sand—to help children process their experiences in a natural and supportive way. For clients of all ages, I also integrate established behavioral practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Strength-Based and Positive Psychology. By blending these evidence-based techniques with your unique strengths, we will create a highly personalized and collaborative journey toward addressing your life's challenges.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. The central principle of CBT is that thoughts, feelings, and actions are all interconnected and influence one another. By becoming more aware of these connections, people can learn new, healthier coping skills to manage challenging situations and improve their emotional well-being. A variety of techniques can be offered to clients, empowering them to confidently and independently move forward with the skills needed for lasting well-being.
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps children resolve psychological problems and achieve optimal development through play. Unlike talk therapy, which relies on verbal communication, play therapy uses a child's natural language—play—to help them express feelings, process experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. In a play therapy session, a therapist observes and engages with the child to gain insight into their world and guide them toward emotional healing. The therapist uses a variety of carefully selected toys and art supplies to help the child express themselves. For children who lack the verbal skills to describe complex emotions or traumatic events, the therapist builds a trusting relationship, providing a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Play therapy is a proven and effective method for addressing a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral issues in children.
Strength-based therapy is a positive, collaborative approach that focuses on a client's inner resources and resilience rather than their weaknesses or failures. This technique helps individuals and families identify and leverage their inherent strengths to achieve personal growth, increase self-efficacy, and build a positive mindset. This therapeutic approach is often integrated with other modalities, such as narrative or solution-focused therapy, to provide a holistic perspective that moves past a diagnosis or perceived deficits. The client and therapist work together as partners to identify the client's strengths and reframe challenges and perceived weaknesses. This process fosters hope, self-determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.