Areas of Expertise
I have a heart for individuals struggling for a better life. I have a diversity of experience in training and life that allows me to empathize and work with a wide range of persons. I have worked extensively with persons struggling with grief and loss, all areas of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, self-esteem, crisis intervention, communication, social skills, relational issues, boundaries, and conflict resolution skills.
Individuals
I am passionate about helping couples define their relationship vs "wing it" and hope for success in the face of so many divorces in our country. Whether it is a relationship or a marriage I believe the term needs to be defined by the couple and then use that definition to purpose their behavior toward the same goals and hallmarks of their relationship. In other words, create a road map that both follow, creating shared accountability to the relationship. Taking control of the relationship now by purposing behavior toward what you want to look back on in the future and see your relationship as.
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Some couples are in a place of ending their relationship and need a place to define what that looks like. To figure out how to move forward with the least amount of pain possible, especially if children are involved. I help with this process as well. I recognize the grief involved in the death of the relationship and help couples and individuals navigate this difficult terrain.
Couples
I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelors in Psychology. I then went to Virginia Commonwealth University and received my Masters in Social Work, specializing in families and children. I have worked with families professionally for over 20 years. I worked first as a preschool teacher for several years at Columbia Baptist Pre-School and Kindergarten and then at Truro Pre-School and Kindergarten. I then worked as a mental health provider in a residential treatment center, then moved into community home based treatment. I then worked for ten years in hospice care providing counseling and supportive services to the dying and their families with follow up bereavement care to families. I have now been in private practice for over a decade bringing all this professional experience and training to my sessions with clients to give exceptional quality care.
Experience
You will find me to be compassionate, empathetic and nonjudgmental in my approach to the therapeutic process. I have an eclectic, integrative approach that provides tailoring to each individual. I work hard at developing a trusting one on one relationship that is collaborative and provides a safe therapeutic environment. I work diligently to weave these aspects together as the emotional walls of a safe place for you to process and open up.
My Approach
