Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Harm Reduction, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Prolonged Exposure, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Therapy Style
I am a person-centered therapist and form a collaborative partnership with clients in our therapy relationship.
Using a multicultural perspective, I focus on understanding you as a whole person to inform and tailor a guided treatment plan that comprehensively addresses your concerns. My gentle, compassionate, curious approach fosters discovery and insights into how you perceive yourself, others, and the world and use these to be effective and successful throughout life's ups, downs, and in-betweens.
I practice evidence-based therapies, which means treatments that are proven to work and improve your symptoms and whole mental health and wellness. My expertise is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and trauma-focused treatments. I often work with clients who struggle with trauma, racial stress/acculturation issues, adjustment or life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship/communication problems, stress and burnout, and difficulties with managing strong negative emotions. I personalize these treatments to best fit your needs, target specific changes you want to make, and achieve the goals you want in therapy.
The idea is to improve your quality of life, sense of success, and mastery in your daily living, and capitalize on your personal strengths to instill confidence, hope, and meaning into your life experiences. I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your guide on your journey to healing and wellness.
Education
BA - Psychology, Duke University
MA - Clinical Psychology, University of South Florida
PhD - Clinical Psychology, University of South Florida
License Number and State
Pronouns
she/her
Why did you become a mental health professional?
I have always been curious about the human condition and how we create and nourish our relationships and make meaning in our lives. I like to bring that understanding to others so they can feel confident and valued in their own lives.
What are your interests outside of work?
Brunch—the perfect middle meal that combines my favorite aspects of both breakfast and lunch staples. Being outdoors, hiking, or attending a good concert. Traveling to new places around the world and taking in their food and culture.
What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?
Daily mindful walking to center and ground my spirit.
What book have you read more than once?
Anything by Stephen King normalizes the eccentricities and weirdness that we encounter in our world and fosters imagining both intriguing and fantastical experiences that could be real ;)
Favorite organization/non-profit?
Rescue House—they rescue, foster, and adopt cats. I am a cat lover and believe cats had it right by domesticating themselves.
How do you recharge?
A good hearty meal that is full of my comfort foods: macaroni and cheese, a fluffy biscuit, mashed potatoes, and delicious fried chicken.
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat named Granny Mushroom. Her story is my favorite as she was very anxious and no one would adopt her as a kitten. I adopted her and spoiled her rotten as well as encouraged her to approach new things and build her confidence. She now loves traveling in her hiking backpack and being outside.
