ABOUT ME
My interest in understanding and helping people began far before my formal training and education. I started my "training" early, as I would often buy used psychology and sociology books to read as a teenager from a local thrift store (many of which still sit on my bookshelf). I found learning about the mind and different personalities fascinating, so my profession as a therapist now seems most fitting.
As a child, I was also influenced by a family member's grassroots efforts in starting various programs for underprivileged children and I enjoyed being a young helper alongside these programs.
I started my private practice in 2010, and it's where mental health and music "collide".
Although our businesses operate separately, my office suite is shared with my husband Doug's guitar studio. I'm happy to share with you a bit of his talent in composing and playing Spanish guitar.
Professional Education and Experience
I received a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Children, Youth, & Families from Delaware State University. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Delaware and a Licensed Ceritified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland.
My work experience in a number of non-profit agencies in Delaware and Maryland has afforded me the opportunity to provide services addressing various issues such as developmental disabilities, HIV/AIDS, anger management, grief/loss, and family conflict.
However, most of my training and experience is in trauma and abuse recovery. This is the area I specialize in, having focused my work on this issue for over ten years. I am experienced in providing crisis and long term therapy for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in a variety of treatment settings, such as public schools, residential centers, clinics, and safe shelters. I also specialize in treating dissociative disorders, which is closely related to the area of trauma treatment.
Therapy Approaches I Use
My approach when working with clients is flexible and depends greatly on the reasons for seeking therapy. My training and experience is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as trauma theory which emphasizes the broad impact of past traumatic experiences and how these influence current functioning and life patterns.
I have been trained in the following therapy approaches. Click the name to read more about each one.