“Often, we are too close to the problem to be able to make changes alone, and talking it through with someone without judgment is essential.”
I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported — especially when taking the brave step of starting therapy. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but I believe that within each of us are strengths that, when acknowledged and nurtured, can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
My goal is to provide a safe, judgment-free, and approachable environment where you can feel open to share, reflect, and grow. Together, we’ll work to make sense of complex emotions, risky behaviors, or overwhelming situations — and develop strategies that help you cope and move forward in ways that feel manageable and true to you.
I work with adults, adolescents, families and couples navigating a wide range of concerns, including:
I often ask clients to explore what happens in both their body and emotions, since our physical responses often reflect deeper emotional patterns — especially when trauma is involved.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, trained by Dr. Janina Fisher, Ph.D. I use Trauma-Informed Care throughout the therapeutic process, including during the initial assessment, to create an environment of safety, trust, and understanding. My work also supports survivors of:
I incorporate sensory-motor skills and the neurobiology of trauma in my sessions to help clients manage triggers, reduce panic, and regain a sense of control. My approach includes both talk therapy and body-based techniques like grounding, breathwork, and relaxation.
I also provide Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and I have extensive experience working with individuals navigating addiction and recovery. I’ve worked in the addiction field since 2012 and became a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in 2021. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices, particularly CBT-based approaches to substance use, trauma, and relapse prevention.
I offer both in-person and virtual sessions, serving clients across North Carolina and Virginia.
In our first session, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy, what you’d like to work on, and how often you’d like to meet. I’ll also ask about your current coping strategies, what’s worked for you in the past, and what you hope to get from therapy.
I’m an active listener, and you may see me take a few notes — because what you share is important and I want to remember it as we move forward together.
Throughout our work, we’ll identify your strengths and use them as building blocks for change. I believe you already have many of the tools you need — therapy is about helping you access and apply them more confidently and effectively.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in higher education, supporting community college students. Over time, I began to see just how many of them were struggling quietly — with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction — all while trying to succeed academically and personally. Many didn’t know how to ask for help or felt too ashamed to try.
In 2003, I took a leap and began working in the mental health field, which led me to earn my Master of Social Work. Counseling offered a path where I could support people not just academically, but emotionally and holistically.
In full transparency: I’ve also been on the other side of the therapy room. I grew up in a home filled with chaos and uncertainty, and thanks to the caring teachers who recognized my need, I received counseling — and it changed my life. I learned how to manage my anxiety, and for the first time, I believed in my ability to thrive.
Sharing that with you isn’t just about honesty — it’s about showing you that therapy can be a powerful turning point. As the saying goes: “A burden shared is a burden halved.”
Our thoughts, feelings, and physical responses are deeply connected — and often, we aren’t even aware of how automatic negative thinking patterns can impact our mood, behavior, and relationships.
I use a variety of integrative approaches tailored to your needs, including:
When working with families, I focus on open communication and creating an environment where each voice is heard and respected. I view the family system as a whole, and each person as playing a significant role in its function and healing.
Every treatment plan is personalized and paced to match your comfort level, goals, and availability.
…doing something outdoors — helping people with mobility limitations access nature and social connection. I’d love to plan inclusive outdoor adventures that bring people together for healing and enjoyment who might not otherwise venture out alone.
When I’m not working, I’m enjoying:
Some of my favorite stories come from The Kite Runner, It’s a Wonderful Life, and To Kill a Mockingbird. I’m also a fan of classic comedies like I Love Lucy and Bewitched — they always lift my spirits.