About Me

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First, I listen.

 

I have a deep compassion for people and the stories that they share with me. I know that these stories often times have not been shared out loud. 

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Secondly, I am neurodivergent, AuDHD (autistic + ADHD). I am also disabled and live with chronic illness and chronic pain. (A common occurrence for us neuro-spicy individuals.) My lived experience truly helps me to understand the suffering that many of my clients experience on a day to day basis. I believe this has allowed me to develop a therapy practice that is unique to working with chronic illness/pain and neurodivergent clients.

 

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of clinical experience. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Radford University and my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from West Virginia University.  I have worked in a variety of different settings including private practice, medical, military (Department of Defense), psychiatric hospitals, and education. Throughout my career, I have helped clients from different cultures, ages, and backgrounds.  I was even lucky enough to live and work in the Virgin Islands for 7 years where I began my work and specialization with Autism.

 

I currently reside in Virginia with my husband, our herd of rescue guinea pigs, a rescue Bearded Dragon, and a drama king of a cat who rules us all. I love all animals, plants, throwing pottery, starting new projects, but rarely finishing them. I also love learning new things and laughing. The Office is my comfort show, and I just started reading books about dragons and fairies because my clients recommended them (life-changing!)

 

Areas of specialty:

• Autistic burnout

• Autistic Adults

• Autistic Women

• Late Diagnosis of Autism

• ADHD

• auDHD

• Self-worth/ self-esteem

• Stress

• Chronic illness and chronic pain

• Difficult life transitions

• College transitions

• Career changes

• Meditation/Mindfulness

• Relationships

• Therapist Clinical Case Consultation for Autism/ADHD

• Consultant for Neuro-affirming Practices

• Consultant/Trainer on Neuro-affirming Practices

In my sessions, I believe in actively working with the client to help them achieve their goals. I understand that every person and situation is different. And there is no one therapy approach that will fit all situations.

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Examples of different approaches that I use in sessions are: 

• Solution-Focused/ Brief Therapy,

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - modified

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• EMDR trained (EMDRIA 2022)