My orientation toward therapy is grounded in a humanistic perspective that holds individuals are inherently motivated toward well-being and self-actualization. Given a safe and supportive environment, I believe, most individuals embrace opportunities and insight to work toward changing negative patterns in their lives and to find hope and healing. From an advocacy orientation, we will utilize empowerment strategies and identify external barriers that inhibit individual development and self-advocacy skills and work through traumatic experiences and impacts from life experiences to return you to healthy functioning.

I work to create a safe and trusting space for teenagers to facilitate empowerment to discuss their worldviews and express their emotions. The teenage years hold challenging and confusing events for both children and parents. This developmental stage is the launching pad for adulthood, and I believe an empowering, trusting, and respectful relationship can facilitate growth and emotional intelligence for years to come.

I believe children communicate through play and learned behavior. I also believe children thrive off of structure and stability. I work to facilitate a healthy and trusting relationship between the child and the family unit while focusing on structure and stability. I use verbal and non-verbal play therapy techniques to meet children at their developmental level, help them explore their worldview, and communicate effectively and safely.

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through Compassion Works, completing a 50-hour Therapist Training Course. I utilize EMDR to treat trauma and PTSD. EMDR is a gentle and compassionate approach to treating trauma and has been proven through extensive clinical research to heal the mind from psychological trauma, symptoms, and emotional distress.

I am certified in TF-CBT; TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment that has been evaluated and refined during the past 25 years to help children and adolescents recover after trauma.

Although TF-CBT is highly effective at improving youth posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis, a PTSD diagnosis is not required in order to receive this treatment. TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other trauma impacts, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety), and cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as improving the participating parent’s or caregiver’s personal distress about the child’s traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child.

There are 2 basic rules in Love & Logic: Adults set firm limits in loving ways without anger, lecture, threats, or repeated warnings. Set limits using enforceable statements, regard mistakes as learning opportunities and resist the temptation to nag. When children misbehave and cause problems, adults hand these problems back in loving ways. Provide empathy before describing consequences, use few words and more loving actions, delay consequences when necessary, and give kids the gift of owning and solving their problems.