My evolution as a therapist is limitless which is why I love this work.
My first passion was using play therapy with children, forming the foundation for my intensive, psychodynamic training with adults. Over the past 24 years I’ve had the honor of working with thousands of clients. Each person’s courage and openness to self-discovery continues to leave me in awe of the human potential.
As a beginning clinician I trained under some of the most respected leaders in the Boston psychiatric community. I treated clients with a wide range of mental health disturbances including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, survivors of trauma, addiction, family of origin dynamics, grief and loss, career and life transition stress, perinatal/postpartum/parenting challenges, and a variety of self-identity, intimacy, and relationship issues. Diving into my early work, I knew that being culturally informed was a necessity. I continue to work with clients from diverse backgrounds including sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and religion.
In 2004 I accepted a position at Kaiser Permanente Department of Psychiatry in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This role pushed me to work as effectively as possible in the least amount of time. I was required to see a high volume of clients, many with high needs and moderate mental illness.
It’s with these clients, I began to see the benefits of using Internal Family Systems firsthand. My clients had a limited number of sessions and were skeptical because of disappointing therapy experiences in the past. To their surprise, they found relief quickly. It was clear I had found something powerful in IFS.
After four demanding years at Kaiser, I sought out more balance in my work life. I set up my private practice in the bustling U Street neighborhood of Washington, D.C. and created more space to follow my passion. I completed the IFS Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings before receiving my certification.
I believe a successful therapist must be committed to their own personal and professional growth.
I’m a lifelong yoga and meditation practitioner and I participate in my own therapy and ongoing professional consultation. I uphold all requirements for my professional licenses and certifications with current, cutting edge education. I’m also a wife and a mother of two spirited young boys. I love nature, silent retreats, sharing space with loved ones, and giving back to my community.
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CREDENTIALS + EDUCATION
MSW Social Work 2000. Simmons Graduate School of Social Work Boston
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and North Carolina
Post Masters Fellowship in Psychodynamic Therapy 2003. Cedars Sinai Medical Center Department of Psychiatry Los Angeles
200-hour Yoga Certification 2005. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health Stockbridge, MA
Internal Family Systems Trainings 1, 2, and 3. Asheville, NC 2008; Washington D.C. 2011; Berkeley, CA 2014
Staff Program Assistant Internal Family Systems Level 2 Training 2013 Washington, D.C.
Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist 2015 granted by the IFS Institute Oak Park, IL
Private Practice Psychotherapist 2007-Present Washington D.C., California, and North Carolina