My undergraduate studies were in Philosophy and my master’s degree is in Social Work. I’m licensed to practice independently in North Carolina and I hold the EMDRIA credentials of Approved Consultant in EMDR and Therapist Certifed in EMDR. I am also an artist and I believe that at our core we are all creative beings. I’m deeply curious and have a passion for learning and am comfortable living ou
t of both sides of my brain. I spend a lot of time watching the developments in my field and I work to integrate the best of them into my clinical practice.About My Work History:I began my career working in an addiction treatment facility and spent well over a decade as a Certified Addiction Counselor. I recognized that many of the folks I treated for addictions also had a trauma history. This realization started me on a long and continuing journey to discover and learn the most efficient ways to treat trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).In the 1990’s I radically changed the way I practice when I introduced 2 new models of therapy into my practice. HeartMath and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) offered me personally and my patients a very different way to solve issues. Learning these approaches opened the door for me to begin studying other types of therapy that were less focused on talking and more oriented on how the body reacts and signals us when it senses trouble and when it senses safety. Learning these new ways to include the body in the process of therapy (beyond simple body language) revolutionized the way I work and continues to fascinate me every time I sit with my clients / patients. I’m excited to offer cutting edge therapeutic approaches many of which are backed by a substantial base of research.I have advanced training in IFS (Internal Family Systems) and I am an ongoing student of, and integrate into my clinical work, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, AEDP ( Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ) and the clinical application(s) of Interpersonal Neurobiology.About Our Therapeutic Relationship:I believe that appreciation, compassion, curiosity and gratitude are essential to my day to day work as a therapist. Although I was originally trained to be in the role of a blank slate (viz. to reveal as little as possible about myself / be neutral so you could project onto me your needs, desires etc.) when sitting with a patient, I now have stepped from behind that role and I bring myself into each session. I will relate to you in a way that invites our humanity into the session.True, the therapy hour is about YOU and should be. We will not spend time talking about my life…that is not why you’ve come to therapy. What you will find is that I am engaged, honest, interested and present. And, we will use the fact of our relationship and the connection that forms while we work together to help you reach your goals. No, it won’t mean that we become friends; a friend is something very different. It will mean that you will have a fierce champion for your growth, healing and wholeness.About My Areas of Clinical Expertise* I teach skills for stress management, developing intuition and coherent decision making using HRV Biofeedback tools developed by HeartMath.* I work with adults who have a history of trauma – both childhood and adult.* My work with addictive disorders is limited to folks who have already established a solid foundation of daily recovery and now are wishing to work on other issues including factors contributing to the addiction.* I work with artists who wrestle with creative blocks.* I work with couples and individuals who want to explore the limits that keep them from living more fully.* I blend traditional and alternative treatment approaches and will engage collaboratively with you to help you solve your problems and reach your goals.In addition to face to face meetings, I offer secure internet & telephone meetings when clinically appropriate. (Note: I do not offer EMDR psychotherapy via internet or telephone.)
