About

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I help individuals heal so they can embrace their lives more fully and regain their equilibrium in the face of overwhelming experiences, whether past or present. 

Outside of my professional career, I rejuvenate at the beach and enjoy spending time with friends, family and our Labrador Retriever. I enjoy traveling and exploring the local food scene, bookstores and artist galleries no matter where I am. I am also an enthusiastic football fan and remain loyal to my home team, regardless of family rivals.

My Beginning

I began my career working for a non-profit organization that provided therapy to children in foster care and through the adoption experience. There I witnessed first-hand how profoundly trauma impacts us individually, in families and inter-generationally and is why I dedicated my career to learning proven ways to help others heal from its impact.  

During this time I also embraced attachment theory as the overarching psychological explanation for why humans live and love the way we do. I believe our individual attachment style (cultivated in childhood) is an embodied map for how we connect to others and is a guiding factor in how we view ourselves and navigate all of our relationships. 

Over the years I have worked with children, teens, adults and couples. My work with trauma has included first responders, military members and their families, natural disaster survivors, 9/11 surviving family members, victims of violence and abuse survivors, persons who experienced difficult childhoods, caregivers experiencing burnout and many, many others. 

My Philosophy

I believe transformation change is possible within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship where you recognize and overcome experiences and internal obstacles  to establish a sense of well-being in your life. 

My Approach

I am not a passive participant in your process. I am with you in your experience, active and engaged, focusing our exploration on your experience with warmth and acceptance so that you feel supported and understood. 

I look beneath the surface of conflict (within yourself and between others) by slowing down the process to identify patterns that lead to emotional distress.  I listen carefully while observing how and when your distress is triggered to help you identify, manage and ultimately reduce its impact. I also help you make sense of your emotions so that you can accept them instead of avoiding or becoming overwhelmed by them.

My Training

I am highly trained and experienced in proven methods to help you heal and fully embrace your life again. These include:

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples & Individuals 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

Brainspotting 

Polyvegal Theory

Trauma Resiliency Model

Attachment & Bonding Theory

Internal Family Systems

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Mindsight Approaches

Mindfulness Practices