About

A bit about me.

I have over 14 years of experience working with families and individuals. My career began working as a social worker for the Department of Family Services. I worked with families who were going through difficult times and needed help to make their lives more complete, fulfilling, and safe – for themselves and their families.

I was able to take my skills abroad, and worked as a social work supervisor in Nairobi, Kenya. I trained social workers to help families in the city’s second largest slum gain access to medical treatment, education, food- and mental health services, thereby making sustainable changes in their lives.

I then had the opportunity to work in Frankfurt, Germany. In Germany I worked 1:1 with individuals who were struggling with cultural challenges, challenges related to being so far away from friends & families, as well as individuals seeking relief from anxiety & depression. In addition to this, I worked with children & their families in the school setting.

Upon returning to the States, I opened my own practice in Hamilton, VA. I specialize in trauma, grief, loss, anxiety and depression. I work with teenagers and adults. Our work together involves understanding the root cause of your feelings. I help you develop strategies that you can use to integrate your unique experiences into an authentic and fulfilling life.

In treatment, I use a variety of techniques including cognitive processing, cognitive behavioral therapy, sand tray work, mindfulness, play therapy, and bibliotherapy therapy. No two people have the same experiences, backgrounds, or goals for themselves, therefore my approaches are flexible and fluid, and tailored to the individual based on their developmental and emotional needs.

Credentials

I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelors Degree in Science from George Mason University. During graduate school, I was the recipient of the Child Welfare Stipend, a competitive grant given to only a handful of graduate students. The program was rigorous, and added additional clinical skill building course work, seminars and individualized one-on-one supervision- all focused around the care, treatment and well-being of children.

After Graduate school, I completed the required two years of weekly clinical supervision (like you may have seen on TV, the therapist is with a client and her supervisor is watching behind a two-way mirror- intense!) before taking the licensing exam to become a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).

I am a a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and have extensive training on trauma, PTSD and grief and loss.

I hope this has been helpful for you in determining if I might be the right therapist for you, your child or your family. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If I am not the right fit, I will help you look for another therapist who might better meet your family’s needs.