During my 25-year stint as a writer and editor, I faced personal challenges that eventually motivated me to find a career in which I could help people understand and advocate for their own mental health. Today, I work with clients who struggle with substance use disorders as well as those who want to learn how to manage their anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.

My focus with clients who have, or suspect they have, a substance use disorder includes helping them acknowledge that their use has become unmanageable and explore addiction recovery plans that include harm reduction strategies. I believe that it is equally important to explore co-occurring disorders, which are the mental health issues that have likely been a factor in the use of substances as a coping mechanism. Additionally, keeping in mind that addiction is appropriately called “a family disease,” I provide therapeutic support for the loved ones of people with substance use disorders by sharing the resources and strategies that can promote their own healing.

With all of my clients, I believe that it’s vital to create an individualized treatment plan that allows them to work at their own pace, keeping in mind that I will also nudge them when being uncomfortable can be an important part of their healing process. I typically engage clients with a blend of compassion, humor, and practicality as we explore evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.

I’m the best fit for clients who are ready and willing to focus on themselves, which includes digging into the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors underlying their concerns. I don’t think that “selfish” is a dirty word. And I often assign homework because I believe that effective therapy also takes place outside weekly sessions. I also fully endorse the idea that laughter is a fast and fun way to boost natural dopamine levels.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward making the changes you want to see in your life, I’d like to help you find the path that’s right for you. 

Commitment to Growth and Deepening my Practice

• Books: Loving Someone in Recovery; Know Science, No Stigma; Codependent No More; Shadow Work Journal and Workbook

• Documentaries/Lectures: The Anonymous People, Meth Storm, Chalk Talks by Father Martin

Education

• Master of Social Work, University of Kentucky (2021-2023) Certificates: Substance Use Disorders, Clinical Social Work Practice, Member: Phi Alpha Honor Society

• Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations, University of Florida,(1990-1994) Activities and societies: Student PRSA, Kappa Kappa Gamma

Trainings/Certifications

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training: Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT, Charles Jacob, PhD

• 2-Day Intensive Training: Cognitive Processing Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach to Treat

• PTSD and Related Conditions, Kathleen M. Chard, PhD

• The DBT Advantage: An Integrative Skill-Building Approach, Britt H. Rathbone, LCSW-C

• DBT Crash Course for Clinicians: 15 Core Techniques to Improve Emotional Regulation, Manage Distress and More, Alexa Mulee, LMHC, C-DBT

• Finding the Wounded Child Inside the Monster: Applying a DBT-Focused Lens to Trauma and Addiction, Eboni Webb, PsyD, HSP

• Managing Suicidality with High-Crisis DBT Clients, Eboni Webb, PsyD, HSP

• EMDR for Trauma and Addiction: A Step-by-Step Workshop on Treating Dual Diagnosis Clients, Stacy Ruse, LPC

• Ethics & Cultural Competency: 1-Day Intensive Training, Frances Patterson, PhD, LADAC, MAC, BCPC, CCJAS, QSAP, QCS