(she/her)
New to Grow
My first job in the field was in 1994 when I worked at the local mental health center. This job peaked my interest and led me to seek my Master's of Social Work which I obtained in 1998. Since that time, I have worked at various mental health centers across the country gaining experience as a clinician and supervisor, along with acquiring my clinical license. My therapy practice is built on personalized care to clients and committed to ongoing training and education to stay up to date on the latest research and techniques so the clients I work with receive the best care possible to support their well-being.
The first session together is an opportunity to get to know one another. It is a chance for you to share your goals for our work together and what brought you to therapy and how this is impacting your life. It's also a chance for me to ask you questions about your background and history that brought you to this point. We will review logistics like practice policies and complete any remaining paperwork and I will answer any questions you might have about how I practice. I will end our first session by teaching you a grounding technique (a coping skill designed to help calm your nervous system by reconnecting you to your body and your immediate physical surroundings).
My approach as a therapist has evolved over the years to the following: I have a good memory and I pull in information clients have told me from previous sessions to discuss. I also take an active role during sessions. I am gentle, but direct in my communication approach. I will prompt clients during sessions and identify if I am noticing patterns that are occurring. I love handouts and educational information as a way to further help clients. I will share the handouts during sessions and review it with clients and give clients copies of the handouts so they have it for themselves. I believe therapy doesn't stop when the session ends and if having a handout will help remind someone of a discussion had during therapy-that's even better! I like to share videos of coping skills with clients as examples of how to properly do a coping skill too.
Due to my training and experience as a clinician, there are a number of clients who are a good fit for me. Clients who have experienced trauma, or who are dealing with anxiety, or those with stress related to their current work life or relationship. Individuals going through life transitions and needing support as they go through the transitions are also a good fit for my practice.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been providing CBT for over a decade. It is a structured, action-oriented therapy that teaches you how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. It focuses on present day problems and equips you with practical evidence based tools to actively change unhelpful thinking patterns. It is helpful for treating anxiety, trauma, depression, chronic pain, insomnia and managing stress.
EMDR
I have been using EMDR for over 5 years. It is a highly effective evidence based therapy that helps your brain process and unstick traumatic memories or distressing experiences. Instead of requiring you to talk extensively about a trauma, it uses tapping to help your brain heal naturally. EMDR is used to treat trauma and abuse, anxiety and panic, depression related to trauma, chronic stress and complicated grief.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I have been using IFS for over a year. It is a therapy model that views your mind as an internal community or "family" of different parts. It helps you stop fighting your thoughts, behaviors or emotions by treating them with curiosity, discovering why they exist, and healing the painful feelings driving them. IFS is used to treat trauma, and to reduce anxiety and depression.