Welcome! I'm an LCSW-C in Maryland and earned my MSW at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I've been practicing over thirty five years and because I've loved the time I've spent in this work, the time has flown! I've worked in the mental health industry at many levels, and this helps me understand how to connect clients with the best type and level of treatment for them. My experience includes private practice/outpatient, inpatient care as well as running an innovative intensive outpatient care program for active seniors as a clinical director. I've also work for organizations which reviewed care, collaborating with the treating provider to ensure the quality of care is of the highest it can be. As a social worker, I was trained from day one to provide client-centered, strengths-based, unconditionally positive regard, 'person in an environment' therapy. This means that I begin where the client is, and I focus throughout on building and maintaining a therapeutic relationship that supports my client in helping them use our work to achieve what is important to them. I avoid using too many labels and/or medicalizing my client, and because I look at people as not just individuals but as embedded in various life environments, I teach my clients to understand themselves in those contexts as well as how they can better navigate their thoughts and behaviors within the various parts of their lives with greater emotional and behavioral success. Having worked closely with psychiatrists and various prescribers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNP's, etc.) over the years, I've gained extensive knowledge on how to direct clients regarding who to see/where to go regarding medical concerns and medication issues. It is important, for example, to rule out at certain times, particular medical issues which may be causing mental health symptoms.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and Maryland, with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families. As a dedicated and passionate mental health professional, I am committed to helping clients overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. My expertise spans guiding clients through grief, depression, trauma, anxiety, and interpersonal stress. I utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment tailored to each client’s unique needs.