Personal Background

I am originally from, and currently live, in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to my therapy practice, I am passionate about health and fitness, quality time with my dog, making banana bread, spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, swing dancing, watching stand-up comedy, hiking, and committing myself to ongoing personal and professional development.

I am committed to transparency as a white, able-bodied, cisgender, heterosexual, middle-class female. It is important to me to continue examining and changing my own practices/views that may be rooted in racism, sexism, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, ethnocentrism, or ableism.

Professional Background

I became interested in becoming a therapist around the time I started my undergraduate program, after having struggled with some lifelong personal difficulties that led to questions about my beliefs, my identity, and my place in the world. I began seeing a wonderful, kind, non-judgmental therapist who changed my life profoundly. My work with her was so inspiring that I wanted to be able to give others what she gave to me. 

I completed my Bachelors in Psychology from UNCA in 2003, and my Masters in Social Work from Appalachian State University in 2009, and have worked in multiple settings and with various and diverse populations. This includes working with veterans at the VA hospital, residential substance abuse treatment, outpatient mental health, hospital/medical/primary care social work, and group private practice. I have experience treating the following: anxiety and mood disorders, relationship issues, grief, people with chronic pain and medical issues, tobacco and nicotine dependence, substance use disorders, trauma and PTSD, difficulty with boundaries, difficulty with emotions, and general dissatisfaction.  

I believe each person contributes something unique to the world, and that everyone can discover a purpose to their existence. I believe that each person already has the ability within themselves to make the choices that are aligned with what is most important to them. I also believe that it is human to lose sight of these things, and see my role as providing guidance to return to a path of “True Alignment”.  

My primary treatment approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS), although I also often work with people using Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT). For more information about ACT, please visit my FAQ Page. I also have several years of experience using other modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I remain client-centered, so treatment will be tailored to each individual and other approaches may be incorporated into session as needed. All my treatment modalities are evidence-based (meaning that they have been proven effective through scientific research).

I am trained in Level 3 Internal Family Systems. This training involves approximately 180 hours of training within a small group setting, where trainees are able to have close, hands-on supervision and training by therapist trainers.  In addition, I participate in peer groups, continuing education, IFS-specific consultation, and my own therapy with an IFS Institute-trained therapist. For more information about this very effective form of therapy, please read Internal Family Systems Therapy: How it Works & What to Expect.

My style is collaborative, curious, humorous, playful, warm, and gently challenging. 

Check out my Psychology Today Profile.

Credentials

North Carolina LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
License # C007678

North Carolina LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist)
License # 20073

South Carolina LISW-CP (Licensed Independent Social Worker -Clinical Practice)
License # 11590

Florida Out-Of-State Registered Telehealth Provider 
Registration # TPSW2408

Vermont Out-Of-State Interim Registered Telehealth Provider
Credential # 089.0135399TELE

For more information about Florida Out-Of-State Telehealth Providers, please visit the Florida Department of Health. 

Certifications

NCTTP (National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice)
Certificate # NT1546

Prime for Life Instructor

Triple P Parenting Program 

Danger Assessment Screening for Domestic Violence