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I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist based in West Virginia. I am also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers. I have 5 years of therapy experience with clients of all ages, including kids, teens and adolescents. I have provided services both online and in person through an agency and in my private practice.
My approach
I use a trauma-informed approach that focuses on gaining emotional regulation and processing experiences so that events of the past do not keep clients from building their best lives. Techniques that I use in my practice include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and play therapy.
My focus
The majority of my work has been with clients who have experienced complex trauma due to abuse and neglect issues. I also have experience helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management.
My communication style
I use a relaxed, conversational approach to building rapport with my clients. I like to learn about my clients strengths and interests and incorporate those into the therapy process. I am very comfortable to be around, I have a good sense of humor, and my clients tell me that I very quickly put them at ease.
My journey to mental healthcare
My therapy career is the joining of my love of teaching and my desire to help others heal from events and situations affect their success and happiness in life. I began my career in elementary education and eventually found myself in the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment referral. I decided my teaching skills and compassion could be used together in therapy and so I obtained a masters degree in social work. I am driven to do this work by my love for people and my desire to provide quality services in my rural area that were not here before.
My goals for you
When setting goals with my clients, I ask the client to outline what they want to accomplish and work with them to select a starting point for meeting that goal. I like to focus on the client's strengths to build strategies for meeting goals.
My first session with you
During the first session, the client can expect that I will ask what brought them to therapy and I will then ask very general questions to get to know the client. I will complete assessments to determine the symptoms that are must bothersome for them. Sharing intimate details of past trauma can be frightening, so I will tell clients in the first session that it is not necessary to share that information until they are ready.
