About

I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BSW in social work, a certificate in Addictions, and an Master's in clinical social work. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, borderline personality disorder and depression; clients with a history of physical and psychological abuse, self harm, sexual abuse, and other traumas.
I utilize a combination of traditional talk therapy, education on how trauma affects our brains, and implementation of practical tools and action steps to achieve the changes you want to make in your life. I believe talk therapy is helpful but that it takes action to reprogram your brain's reactions to triggers. Most clients I have worked with who are experiencing any form of anxiety believe they are crazy. I assure you it is not crazy. Your brain is meant to function in the way it does to protect you. I also wholeheartedly believe physical and mental health are intertwined. I will ask you to experiment with new techniques and reactions to triggers and difficult relationships. I provide the knowledge of tools and techniques but you are the expert on you.
Generally, I start with getting to know you and what you want to work on. We move into education on your specific diagnoses and on brain function and how we can reprogram. We begin taking small steps using tools I will teach you. All I need is for you to be willing to experiment with new techniques and reactions to difficult situations and people, and to let me know if the specific technique does not work for you so we can try another. Those steps have been as small as having clients who experience agoraphobia sit in a different room for 5 minutes, simple but not easy. I will also focus on your physical health and activity level. There is much research that shows some type of physical activity is helpful. I myself have experienced this. I am a hiker, an activity leader for the Florida Trail, and wilderness first aid certified. I hike, when I am inactive I definitely experience mood changes. If hiking is not your thing that is okay. We will find something that works for you.