I offer a practical approach to provide support and guidance to clients. Whether it is urgent life stressors, relationship challenges, family issues, or trauma there is always a way to shine some light. While a large part of my practice is working with clients using talk therapy, I am also a trauma expert trained in EMDR as well as ART. These techniques allow me to help clients become unstuck from habitual reactive states that often create havoc in relationships and other important areas of life.
I have over 13 years of experience in the field of mental health. I have created a warm office environment and it is important to me to make sure my clients feel welcome and safe to allow for a meaningful connection. My modalities include, but are not limited to EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, and person centered. I would love to speak with you and offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation. Telehealth and phone sessions are also available.
I started off my career with a Master’s in Education. I taught middle school for three years. During my second year of teaching, I initiated an Ophelia Project support group for at risk girls within the school. It was during that time I realized I preferred connecting and working with others on a deeper, more meaningful level. I discovered my passion! Immediately I enrolled in a second graduate program-Counselor Education at the University of South Florida. As a counselor, I continued to work with at risk girls as an Outreach Counselor within the public-school system. I implemented a program to assist youth and their families make better lives for themselves. Following this, I worked as a counselor in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater Health Departments. In this position, I worked side by side with Primary Care Physicians and psychiatrists with the common goal of helping people improve their overall emotional and physical wellness.
One of the things that makes me a unique counselor is my diverse background. Prior to becoming a teacher and counselor, I worked for five years as a surgical technologist specializing in cardiac and transplant surgeries. I utilized this background knowledge and worked in the field of social work as a medical case manager. Similar to my experience as a counselor within the health departments, this position helped me to witness firsthand the impact physical health has on overall wellness. I have gained insight into small changes that can be made in order to greatly improve emotional symptoms that may be negatively influencing day to day life. Some examples of this may be lifestyle/daily habits that we are often not aware of such as nutrition, activity level, and environmental factors. It is this unique experience I use to guide me as I help my clients work towards an improved sense of insight and perspective.I have no doubt that I am doing what I am meant to do, and I am honored to be able to help those who make the bold decision to empower themselves by taking a deeper look within.
