I am a social work educator, practitioner and supervisor with over 22 years of organizational and clinical experience. I have worked with clients of every age and ilk; with nearly every kind of issue. I have worked with clients experiencing chemical dependency, neglect, abuse, intimate partner violence, interpersonal/familial discord, anxiety, depression, trauma, transitional challenges, etc. It has been a privilege to help them find relief and to learn and grow as a provider, a mother, a partner and a human being. I have always viewed therapy as the “best thing I can do”. I have always considered clients some of the most courageous people on the planet—willing to share their stories, their time and themselves in an honest effort to improve the overall quality of their lives and the lives of those around them. I respect my clients and work hard to match their labor. I enjoy working with women and families, helping them to navigate the everyday challenges of managing resources and relationships to have the fullest and healthiest life possible. It is important to me to help every individual I work with understand and utilize the power they have in their own situations; and to know that their lives can improve with even the slightest adjustment in perspective or routine. I am a graduate of the University of Maryland and Morgan State University, where I received my Masters and PhD in Social Work, respectively. I am licensed to practice in Maryland, Washington, DC, Delaware and Virginia and I have trained students and practitioners in Delaware and New Jersey. I have served as a Clinical Social Work Supervisor in Maryland since 2009. And I am looking forward to meeting and talking with you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
For the initial session, I'm using the PHQ-9, the GAD-7 & the ACES. Then, I usually give clients time to expand on their intake form. Folks usually feel pretty-well heard & optimistic about starting (or returning to) treatment. I acknowledge how difficult it may have been to start or return to treatment. I ask if there's anything they absolutely need me to know about them that I haven't asked & they haven't already shared before we close out. I send them a greeting MSG in the portal so they know how to reach me between sessions & we get scheduled for the next session. I tell clients that I prefer to meet weekly for @ least the first month to get rapport built & a good treatment plan. After that, the pace is very much up to the client. I remind folks that this is a RELATIONSHIP & we are both participating in it. I try to operate w/in the limits of my expertise. I ask a lot of questions, but I also am great listener & know the value of “air” in any conversation.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I work w/ clients regarding ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Chronic Impulsivity, Codependency, Coping Skills, Divorce, Intimate Partner Abuse/Violence, Emotional Disturbance, Grief, Life Transitions, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Trauma and PTSD. I do my best work with adults, primarily, (ages 18 - 90). We use Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have 22 years of experience. I am licensed in MD, DC, VA & DE. We can work together to find the spaces that can make sense; the pockets of life that feel good & help sustain you. For me, collaborating w/ you to help you take better care of yourself & those in your circle is one of the best things I can do.