What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
Life isn't easy, and it's not supposed to be. There's so much outside of our control, but we can choose to know and love ourselves, to do things in the world that bring us meaning, and to surround ourselves with good people. And sometimes we're doing all the right things, and life is still hard! Talking about that can help. You're not alone.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I'm also a real human being. I live in the same world you do, with its profound beauty and heartbreaking flaws. I strive to connect with my clients authentically, and sit with them as we contemplate difficult questions. I don't have the answers, but I'll keep you company in the discomfort.
What does a first session with you look like?
In the first session, I hope to learn about you as a whole: who you are, what you do, what you want, who you care about, how you're functioning, how you're hurting, what you need. As I learn about you and we begin to build rapport, I start thinking of all the resources I know of that may be helpful to you when you have the time and interest to consider them. My clients always get a lengthy email after our first session with a variety of different resources to consider, including poems, podcasts, particular authors or books, and more. Once we've spent a session getting to know each other, we'll come up with a plan to move forward.
Specialties
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Women's issues
Women’s health is regarded as the holistic being and experience of being female. This extends beyond consideration for illness and other complex conditions but to general considerations of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Issues may include female oppression, socialized gender role, female reproductive issues, motherhood, body image, divorce, and substance use.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Fees
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eclectic Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
NBCC - National Board of Certified Counselors
TBHI Certified Telebehavioral Health Practitioner
Licensure
VA, LPC, 0701008183
Education
M.Ed, Psychological Counseling, Teachers College, Columbia University
M.A., Psychological Counseling, Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A. Psychology, University of Virginia
B.A. Studies in Women and Gender, University of Virginia
Work History
My clinical expertise is with the young adult population, having spent nearly a decade working in institutions of higher education. My private practice clients are typically in their 20s and 30s. My favorite clients are asking tough questions about themselves and their world, seeking to find meaning, joy, and growth. Maybe you're in need of support through a transitional phase, getting ready to finish college or preparing for marriage, a career change, or parenthood. If you are looking for a warm and collaborative space to process your emotions and maybe get some podcast recommendations along the way, we might be a good fit.
Location
Remote Therapy - serving Virginia and Texas, VA