Therapeutic Methods
My therapeutic methods and philosophies are resiliency-based, experiential, child-centered, developmental, relational, and humanistic. My objective is to achieve connection, empowerment and thriving for my clients and their families. I choose to use play therapy, and animal assisted psychotherapy techniques in helping people heal. As a trained generalist clinical social worker my credo is: “start where the client is,” to provide the most appropriate interventions in my mental health toolbox based on the client’s age, preferences, and particular needs. Experience
I began working in the counseling field in 1994, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2011. In 2016, I made the decision to give back to the field of social work by mentoring beginning therapists as a Qualified Clinical Supervisor. Since that time, I have transitioned 5 Registered Clinical Social Worker Interns into Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Education
Bachelors in Social Work from University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Masters in Social Work (Clinical) from Florida State University
Certifications
Grief Counseling
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Counseling Military Populations
Yoga for Mental Health
Mental Health Telehealth Practitioner
Registered Play Therapist - In Progress
Animal Assisted Play Therapy - In Progress
Specializations: Children, Families, and Trauma, Play Therapy, Animal Assisted Play Therapy
Children
childhood anxiety/depression
infant mental health
gifted/exceptional children
sensitive children
children with special needs
ADHD
sensory issues
social skills
building resilience and coping skills
Families
child-parent and family relationships
divorce/separation
addiction in families
military/law enforcement family life
mindfulness
coping with life transitions
Trauma
grief
sexual trauma
domestic violence
medical trauma
My co-therapist, Chief, is a 5-year-old rescue Golden Retriever who has a true gift in helping people feel loved, nurtured and safe. Chief has achieved his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification and his PetPartners Therapy Dog skills. Chief is often available to assist in sessions by client request.
