I grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and English. I later earned my Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008, where my clinical training focused on counseling at University Counseling Services.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. Before returning to private practice in 2023, I gained extensive experience as an in-home family counselor, parent educator, and birth parent counselor, and worked with at-risk youth, as well as within the foster care and adoption community. These roles taught me that authenticity, active listening and compassion are essential to creating and maintaining meaningful connections with every individual.

Providing a safe, open, and inclusive space for clients to be themselves without pressure is paramount to my practice. I believe a strengths-based approach, acceptance and genuineness are the most important skills a therapist can possess.

Areas of Focus

• Teens: My approach with teens is to “meet them where they are at,” engaging with their interests and treating them with respect.  In particular, I enjoy working with neurodivergent teens and teens struggling with stress management, interpersonal issues, gender identity and mental health & stability.  I enjoy both teaching skills and providing teens with a friendly listening ear to support them in working through their concerns.

• Adults: My approach with adults is similar to that of teens, validating them while gently stretching them to further clarity of their concerns and situations.  I enjoy working with clients struggling with anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Depression, trauma, grief and trauma support, interpersonal struggles and skills, life transitions and identity.

• Couples: I am certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 and 2), as well as DBT-trained in couples work.  I enjoy working with couples on building their connection, learning effective communication skills, conflict management, and building shared meaning/ future planning together.  

• Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) trained: For processing trauma and assisting with nervous-system regulation

• I-CBT trained: specialty training on treating neurodivergent clients also struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Clinical Expertise & Support

I am qualified to treat a variety of mental health conditions and help individuals navigate complex life challenges, including:

• Anxiety and Adjustment Disorders

• Depression and Mood Disorders

• ADHD and Executive Functioning deficits

• Autism 

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Suicide Assessment, Intervention, and Prevention

• Stress Management and Self-Esteem

• Relationship Difficulties 

• Life and Career Transitions

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Social Skills and Emotion Regulation

Therapeutic Approach

I enjoy teaching clients about the mind-body connection, helping them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and effective skills for managing stress and emotions, as well as learning interpersonal techniques for relational effectiveness. My approach is eclectic, intersectional, and trauma-informed.  It is also neuro-affirming and LGBTQ+ affirming, incorporating several evidence-based theories:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Including skills in validation, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and mindfulness. 

• Gottman Method: For couples and relationship counseling.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

• Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT): for OCD

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Attachment Theory and Family Systems Therapy

Therapy is my passion and I enjoy working with a large variety of people.  My life experience has shown me that everyone can benefit from a listening ear and emotional support. I love working with new clients and cannot wait to meet you!