Throughout my experience in becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor I have had the privilege of supporting a wide range of clients work towards their goals. I have a master’s degree in counseling from Johnson & Wales University and experience working with clients across the lifespan, with an emphasis on work with children, adolescents, and families. I have worked as an outpatient therapist and In-Home Therapist, which included facilitating children’s groups and providing services in home, office, school, and other community settings. Prior to joining Family Counseling Associates in 2021, I worked in community mental health where I became more conscious of the impact of multiple stressors and systems on individual, family, and community wellness. I am committed to continuing to educate myself in an effort to create a safer environment inside and outside of my office.

In recognition of the uniqueness of each client, I take a client-centered approach to counseling. With children, we will develop a session routine to provide some structure, direction, and predictability. Within our established structure and boundaries, I allow children some choice in how we spend each session to instill a sense of control and foster an environment of cooperation. This allows our work to reflect each child’s unique needs, strengths, and preferences. I also engage parents in sessions and check-ins as necessary to better understand each child and support parents in reinforcing strategies.

I encourage creative expression through incorporation of art and play directives to promote communication and processing of emotions. I also focus on building skills to manage those feelings through exploration and development of coping strategies. I recently completed training in creative trauma work and obtained my certification as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. I believe that creative means of expression do not have to end in childhood, and I am happy to incorporate these techniques with willing clients of all ages!

With adolescents and adults, I am able to take a more collaborative approach to treatment planning where we will work together to identify and work towards your unique goals. In general, I lean towards the humanistic principle of exploring and directing energy towards things that give life meaning, as well as supporting clients in recognizing and breaking unhelpful patterns in their lives. This can involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques as well as exposure and response prevention (ERP). I am trained in ERP and have experience using it to treat Anxiety Disorders including Specific Phobias as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD). I believe people deserve a place where they are supported and can explore themselves without judgment and I strive to provide that for all of my clients.