Biography
I am licensed as a Psychological Associate by the North Carolina Psychology Board and as a Clinical Addiction Specialist by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. I am also certified as a Health Services Provider.
In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family and those closest to me, traveling, exploring new places, and practicing scenic photography. My own life challenges have strengthened my empathy for others and reinforced my belief in the value of being non-judgmental, both personally and professionally.
A Foundation in Education and Experience
My master’s degree is in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, with specialized training in evaluation, psychotherapy, and substance abuse treatment to support diverse client needs. I have broad experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in outpatient mental health settings and community outreach programs.
A Collaborative Approach to Wellness
It is important to me to create a safe and trusting atmosphere that facilitates therapeutic growth. Therapy is a collaborative process in which we work together to achieve desired outcomes. My therapeutic approach encourages individuals to enhance their self-awareness and confidence, utilize practical coping skills, and increase their motivation to reach personal goals.
Guiding You Through Life’s Challenges
I treat a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns, such as anxiety disorders (e.g., worrying, rumination, social anxiety, fears, phobias, and panic attacks), depression, mood instability, relationship conflict, social challenges, low self-esteem, perfectionism, people-pleasing patterns, burnout, OCD and compulsive behaviors, posttraumatic stress, substance abuse and dependence, ADHD, academic struggles, college and career issues, difficulties with life transitions, grief, and military stressors.
Passionate About Your Well-Being
Other areas of interest are stress management and helping people find a balance between their physical, emotional, and social lives. I strive to help clients communicate more effectively and improve their interpersonal and romantic relationships. The focus of my practice is to offer an encouraging environment where clients feel understood and respected as they work toward meaningful change.
Evidence-Based Care
My treatment approach includes the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals develop more effective thinking and behavior patterns, as well as adaptive coping strategies. I have specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which supports values clarification and the achievement of goals despite difficult circumstances, and the Gottman Method, which provides research-based guidelines for enriching relationships and marriages.
Strategies for Lasting Change
Motivational interviewing techniques are incorporated to empower individuals to change unhealthy patterns or habits that interfere with their quality of life. I am also passionate about utilizing exposure principles to guide clients as they gradually learn to face and overcome their fears. As a former Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group facilitator, I enjoy teaching mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills.
Crisis and Referral Services
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services: (800) 662-4357
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth/Young Adults): Text START to 678678
Essential Local and Community Services (211): Call 211
RHA Mobile Crisis (Wilmington, NC): (844) 709-4097
Integrated Family Services Mobile Crisis (Wilmington, NC): (866) 437-1821
