Begin your journey towards growth, healing, and freedom.
My mission is to help people overcome harmful patterns and find the freedom that comes from authentic values-centered living. I often work with creatives, expats, idealists, high achievers, entrepreneurs, and other out-of-box-thinkers who want to live with passion AND balance.
I want to get to know what makes you unique and how your inner gifts can be called upon to get through tough times and experience personal growth. Using inquiry, science, education, skill-building, and EMDR we get to the heart of what is holding you back. And then, you decide what is best for you. I will guide you through this process with gentleness, curiosity, empathy, compassion, courage, and hope.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, give me a call to set up a 15 minute consultation.
Call now to schedule a free 15 minute consultation: 404-259-5202
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About Me
Education and Clinical Experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor with over 10 years of experience as a therapist. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2008 with a Masters in Social Work. My undergraduate degree is in Anthropology from the University of Georgia.
I have worked with in private practice, in community mental health settings, in a Bhutanese hospital, and with Doctors Without Borders in Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bangladesh.
I live on a working livestock ranch in Nebraska with my partner. In addition to taking care of animals, I spend a lot of times fixing fences and swatting away mosquitos. When I have free time, you can find me doing my favorite hobbies. I love to run (training for a half-marathon), read (world fiction and history), knit (socks), and study languages (French, Spanish, and Russian). I also love to travel and have been lucky to visit over 40 countries and live in Asia for 4 years.
Services
Counseling
I provide individual counseling for adults who want help with depression, anxiety, chronic illness or pain, problematic life patterns, and difficult life transitions. But most importantly, I work with people who are ready for change.
Some of my areas of specialization are:
EMDR :: EMDR is a powerful and proven intervention for people whose symptoms stem from early experiences. Trauma and extreme stress lay the foundation for problematic patterns and emotional pain later on. EMDR gets to the root of these memories to resolve them and break their stranglehold. EMDR is great for people who have healthy and adaptive thoughts and behaviors, but still experience emotion pain. Want to learn more about EMDR? Visit EMDRIA.org
Psychoeducation :: I value science, research, education, and empowerment of knowledge. You cannot solve a problem if you don’t understand it. Psychoeducation sets the stage for thinking flexibly and seeing yourself, your relationships, and your life in a new way. Many of my clients say that they enjoy getting to learn when they are in counseling. Knowledge is empowering and allows you to challenge the misinformation that harms you and limits your life.
Executive Functioning (Thinking) Strategies :: Many people have difficulty with thinking skills like planning, memory, or making decisions. This can be due to the chronic stress of depression or anxiety. It may also be related to aging or brain injury due to injury or illness. Whatever the cause, I can help you learn and apply strategies to adapt to or improve how your brain is working.
Chronic Pain and Illness :: When there is a problem with the body, this touches every aspect of life. I work with many patients who are want to develop a better relationship with their body, manage pain, and live a more fulfilling life. If it’s right for you, I collaborate with the other members of your treatment team to help you achieve your health goals.
Chronic Insomnia :: I am certified to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and use a specialized 8- session format to treat this condition. Fall in love with your bed again.
Online counseling is available through a HIPAA compliant video platform.
Ready to start?
Immigration Evaluations
I offer psychological evaluations for immigration purposes. Typically these evaluations are used for asylum cases, VAWA cases, and hardship waivers.
My evaluations are very thorough and capture the complexity of information needed for an immigration petition. I meet with clients twice for a total of 3 hours; I will also meet with family members when that is appropriate. Evaluations are usually 15 to 18 pages long.
Spanish interpretation is available.
If you are interested in this service, please contact me and we’ll get started.
Training & Staff Development
I offer training and skills workshops on topics related to mental health, counseling, wellness, and cultural competency. My trainings are engaging, interactive, practical, and tailored to the needs of your organization.
As a service to the community, I am happy to give a free talk about my work with Doctors Without Borders. I am very passionate about global health and the work that is being done to alleviate suffering and save lives around the world. Please don’t hesitate to ask me to come speak to your community or school group.
**Photo is shared with permission. No patients are depicted.
Clinical Supervision
I provide clinical supervision to professionals who are working towards their LCSW or CAC (I, II, III, or LAC). I am a good fit for those who want to work on acceptance and skills-based interventions as well as those who are interested in cultural competence. Supervision is via secure video.
Inclusivity
This is the page for people who are wondering:
“Is all of me welcome here?”
The answer is YES.
I welcome all clients regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, race, ethnicity or nationality, documentation status, political
views, religious affiliation, ability, or socioeconomic status.
It is my goal to create a safe and affirming environment. I am passionate
about diversity, equal rights, social justice, and intersectionality. I am an
LGBTQIA+ ally and openly welcome immigrants and refugees.
During our work together, we can talk about how I can make you feel welcome and safe in treatment. This conversation is possible at the beginning or later, when you’re ready. Often people who don’t fit into the mainstream culture have experienced hurt, exclusion, and victimization. As a therapist, it’s my job to respect your boundaries and establish trust.
Getting Started
I’m so excited that you are ready to take the first step!
I offer a free 20-minute consultation (either on the phone or by video), so you can get a sense of whether we have a good match. It is also an opportunity for me to decide whether or not I will be able to help you.
If you have any concerns about ability to pay, please let me know during our consultation. I do have a limited sliding scale or I can connect you with another counselor to serve your needs.
