Your story matters to me. All my life I have been fascinated by stories. I was captivated by stories as a kid, whether it was reading or writing them, watching them in Hollywood movies, historical documentaries, Oprah after school, listening with fascination to family and friends reminisce about their glory days, or simply feeling captivated by my dear grandfather’s tall tales.
I am a therapist because I believe our stories are powerful. Stories teach us about ourselves, about the world around us and about the human experience. They weave the tapestry of who we are. Stories bring us into connection with one another, and evokes universal compassion. Stories help us understand our place in the world, they are rooted in cultural perspective, they shape our values and beliefs, and they construct the meaning of our lives.
My own story is riddled with both tragedy and triumph. For a long time I felt stuck in silence and only able to tell a self-defeating story. I learned that healing from tragedy and moving into triumph begins with reconstructing our personal narrative to promote healing. I believe the story we tell ourselves has the power to be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. We cannot change what has happened in our past, but we can decide today how we will write the next chapter in our story. Let your story be one of empowerment.
Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy– the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.
— Brene Brown
The therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for transformation and healing to begin.I bring compassion, energy, non-judgement, direct communication, and humor to the relationship. I offer an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. I support clients of all gender identities, sexual orientation, cultural & ethnic diversity. My clinical approach utilizes mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing, Seeking Safety, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory.
My Clinical Specialties
I am an advocate, educator, trainer, and counselor for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked for and continue to collaborate with InterAct of Wake County and the Compass Center for Women and Families to bring safety, healing and empowerment to women and children struggling with PTSD in the aftermath of abuse. Additionally, I specialize in treating childhood and attachment trauma, emotional/financial/spiritual abuse, anxiety and depression, mood/behavioral/personality disorders, stress management, marital and relationship conflict, self-esteem, spiritual growth and development, life transitions, and academic and career support. As a social worker, I offer therapy to those seeking healing from systemic/racial/oppressive traumas in marginalized communities such as LGBTQAI+ and LatinX.
I am passionate about midwifery and helping women to attune to and trust their bodies during pregnancy and labor and avoid unnecessary interventions and heal after experiencing medical/birth traumas. I help women make informed and empowered choices for their family. I provide both parent/family coaching and support for expecting or adjusting mothers. I have studied Birth Psychology, Hypnobirthing and the Bradley Method at length, I am proud of my own home birth experiences, and I have assisted others during childbirth as a Doula. I’m a mother to two awesome kiddos, with 20 years experience working with children as a nanny, camp director, therapeutic foster care trainer, and supervisor of a residential mental health treatment program for children.