Healing begins with authenticity, both with ourselves and with others.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment where my clients feel heard, understood and are supported in the development of authenticity. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions and enjoy working with individuals from teens through adulthood. I use person-centered therapy as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in my work with clients. Together, we work on reframing thought processes and building self-compassion.

In my 14+ years of counseling, I have worked in recovery programs, with federal inmates, and in private practice. I have experience with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. I love working with teens and young adults but being on anyone's healing journey is an honor and privilege. Having been married for 28 years and having two adult daughters has given me life experience beyond the classroom that I use everyday in sessions. I build rapport and trust easily with clients earning the me the ability to walk alongside them and speak truth, challenge them when needed, and cheer them on towards living their best life. I use a trauma-informed approach and believe wholeheartedly that people can heal and live their life according to their values.

I am an LCMHCA currently working in private practice where I specialize in working with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMIs), focusing on treating mood disorders and trauma. I utilize an integrative approach applying a hybrid of Cognitive Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques.  I am trained in both Trauma-Focused CBT, and as a level 1 IFS therapist.  I am currently becoming a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, after which I plan to perform sentence deviation and risk assessments in order to determine appropriate sentencing guidelines.  I am a North Carolina native and completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Catawba College.  My research interests include the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, and genetic links between schizophrenia and associated comorbid conditions.

Clinical Psychologist, Professional Mediator and Arbitrator with considerable experience working with individuals (adult, adolescents, and children), couples, families, organizations, and other systems.