Specialty Areas

Challenges associated with LGBTQIA+, neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, OCD), anxiety, depression, and trauma. Children (7+), Teenagers/Adolescents, Adults, Couples (interest in neurodivergence and non-monogamy), and Families

Education

• Master of Education in Counseling Education (M.Ed.)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
• Master of Environmental Studies 
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
• Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University

Clinical Profile & Philosophy

I believe my role as a therapist is to aid my clients in identifying and overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of the answers/truths that already exist within themselves. As a former scientist and professor, I believe in trying skills, evaluating their success, and modifying as needed. I look at “failure” as the opportunity to gather information to ultimately identify what works, what doesn’t, and why.  Then there are times in our lives when we are best served by the acceptance of suboptimal conditions with the understanding sometimes, we suffer less with acceptance. When is this the best move? That is client- and context-specific and, therefore, up to the individual.
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I use several modalities to help my clients achieve their goals to include, but not limited to CBT, DBT, ACT, CFT, Adlerian, and Solution-focused therapy. In addition, I use EFT, Gottman, and Structural Family Therapy to work with couples and families. I have a particular interest in working with individuals and partners that include neurodivergence, LGBTQ+, and non-traditional relationship structures.

Fun Fact

I am a retired biology professor that studied the ecology and behavior of birds and student learning. I minored in music in college (clarinet performance). I enjoy audiobooks, cooking/baking, musical theater, yoga, and spending time with friends and family, my husband, and our foxhound.