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 and family. I know it sounds like a clichè, but I love quiet moments to myself, playing with my dog and reading a great book. I'm also a football fan and enjoy exploring the local food scene no matter where I am. While at the beach, I love to visit the local shops and artist galleries.
My Beginning
I began my career working for a non-profit organization that provided therapy to children in foster care; the experience was invaluable. There I witnessed first-hand how profoundly trauma impacts us individually, in families and inter-generationally. This is why I dedicated my career to learning proven ways to help others heal from it's 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. I am here to help you as well.
My Philosophy
I believe that people want to live meaningful lives and cultivate what is best inside themselves. I also believe that we all grow and change in the context of our relationships with ourselves and others.
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
“Seeing things for what they are instead of what you imagined them to be will change your life."
We the Urban
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