I believe in the therapeutic process and consider it to consist of many forms. Each person is so unique and has their own story to tell in their own unique way and in their own time. The one thing I say to my clients in every first session, is, it starts with you. You choosing to show up to your appointment, you choosing to seek out support, encouragement, advice, a listening ear. You choosing to believe that you are worthy enough to face the challenges that may have been holding you back. This is essential to you living out your best life, for yourself, your loved ones and for others who count on you. Consistent self care, both physically and emotionally, can provide you the drive and the energy you need to walk out each day the way you were created to, with purpose. I truly believe in offering my clients a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere to process thoughts and feelings and work through past traumas that may be affecting your current mood, decision making process and ability to maintain healthy relationships with others. I present a very relaxed and relatable approach to my clients and allow them to drive the sessions, with my guidance, to achieve a positive outcome. You know yourself best and you have the power and the ability to create lasting change within yourself and influence those around you. We cannot change others, and we cannot always choose our circumstances but we can choose how we respond to others and how we approach what is happening around us. Life is messy, and scary but also beautiful and exciting. Sometimes, we all just need a little help in figuring things out. This is why I am here. I am passionate about helping others reach their full potential. It is my hope and desire that you leave each session feeling empowered, encouraged and motivated.
I am a native of Pittsburgh PA (go Steelers) and received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. I moved to Virginia Beach VA in 2005 to start my career and have worked in the foster care and adoption field for over 15 years. It is my job and my focus to ensure that every child is placed in a loving, supportive environment where they can thrive and grow and heal. One of my specialties is navigating the foster care and adoptive systems and working with youth in these programs. Many youth struggle with their identify, with feeling truly loved and accepted, have difficulty adjusting to new environments and have issues with anxiety, depression, grief and loss. Many have been traumatized through abuse, neglect and suffered the loss of not being able to remain in their biological homes. The passion I have in working with these youth led me to pursue my licensure and I have been a practicing LCSW since 2011. Outpatient therapy is a love of mine that I do part time, and enjoy connecting with youth and adults. I see children, teens, adults, couples and families. I have worked with clients who have experienced loss, trauma, anxiety and depression. I have also worked with clients who just need a little guidance figuring out how to deal with normal life stressors related to unexpected life changes, employment, childcare, finances, relational discord and more. Whatever the situation, I am dedicated to finding solutions that work for you and your family to bring healing and a hope for a better tomorrow.