I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in the state of Virginia. I have received specialized training in Play Therapy and have been certified as a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S) by the Association for Play Therapy. I also have specialized training in the trauma field and am certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-2) by the International Association of Trauma Providers / Evergreen Certifications. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and fully trained in EMDR Part 1 and 2 which is evidenced based training to treat the symptoms of trauma / PTSD. I attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. for my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and the University of Maryland in Baltimore County, Maryland for my B.A. degree in Social Work. I am a Veteran of the United States Army where I served on active duty for 7 years before being Honorably Discharged. I am a big advocate of volunteer work and I currently serve as a Readjustment Workshop Facilitator for the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces program as well as a Disaster Mental Health Volunteer for the American Red Cross.
I have significant experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. The theoretical model I use is strength based and person-centered believing that each one of us have inherent strengths that help us manage life and can provide resiliency to work towards having a healthier and happier life. My framework is based on trauma and attachment approaches which emphasize that the stress an individual experiences is rooted in traumatic events that led to the formation of automatic maladaptive beliefs / behaviors. In addition, attachment states that the deeper more meaningful connection one has with another individual the healthier self-esteem and sense of self worth one can have which can lead to a happier and healthier relationship.
My Ideal Client:
My ideal client is an individual that wants to become empowered to make healthier life decisions by gaining an understanding of the events that have them feeling overwhelmed in life so they can learn to better manage and / or change them. An individual that wants to learn how to effectively express him / herself in healthy ways and learn healthy coping skills to better manage his / her reactions to stressful situations.
My Treatment Perspective:
An individual needs to have hope to make lasting changes. A genuine and compassionate therapist is an important tool in this process and one that I am honored to be described as by my clients. I believe in your potential to improve your life circumstances and your bright future! I look forward to working with you to help you reach your goals!
/ 1 Thessalonians 5 : 11a "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up"