My Approach to Therapy
I am an educator at heart. I believe we are all on a lifelong journey of learning. When we open ourselves to new information and insights, we can handle life’s challenges with openness and understanding.
My career began in education, and while I love working with children, I found my calling in one-on-one counseling and small group therapy. For me, there is no greater joy than equipping my clients with the tools to transform their lives for the better. I specialize in adults, parents, and families and am specially trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, expressive arts, and mindfulness techniques.
With each client—from adults working through divorce, parenting challenges, or career difficulties, to individuals of all ages struggling with depression or anxiety—I believe a personalized, tailored approach is essential. I often say that the therapy should fit the client, not the other way around. With transparency, honesty, and a safe place to express your opinions, we will determine the most effective, evidence-based techniques for your unique needs.
Certifications & Credentials
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia #0701004905
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist
- Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor
- Licensed Elementary Teacher PK-6, Virginia
- Licensed School Counselor, Virginia
- Master’s in School Counseling, George Washington University
Evidence-based methods commonly used in my practice:
Counseling for Adults
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mind-Body Therapy
- Expressive Therapies (journal, art, movement, sand tray)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
- Guided Meditations
Counseling for Parents & Families
No therapist will ever be as important to a child as their family. With a background in education and special training in family dynamics, I work with parents to confidently meet their children’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Some common therapeutic tools we might use include:
- Play Therapy
- Parent-Child Relationship Therapy
- Theraplay®
- Parent Consultation and Coaching
- Emotion Focused Family Therapy
- Social Thinking Curriculum
- Unstuck and On Target
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Expressive Therapies (journal, art, movement, sand tray)