About

One thing that I know is true is that change can be difficult and slow, but it is very possible. The fact that you are looking at therapist options on Find A Therapist, tells me that you are well on your way to being the healthiest and happiest person that you can be. The first steps are always the most difficult but with them comes a fierce determination to continue forward. I hope that I can be a part of your journey.
I have a BSW from Auburn University and a MSW from Florida State University. I have been in practice for thirty years. I have a commitment to lifelong learning, my most recent accomplishment is receiving my certification in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based intervention to assist with the healing process of those with PTSD and other challenges caused by a traumatic event. I believe that most of my clients would benefit from the experience.
My practice has always focused on working with individuals that have been marginalized because of who they are. It has been such a blessing to watch people realize that they already have the answers to their challenges, they just need help rediscovering them and utilizing them. I spent 27 years at a nonprofit HIV/AIDS clinic and had a secondary appointment as a Professor of Social Work. I quickly learned that each client/student that I collaborated with had something to teach me. I also quickly learned that I had something to teach them. In today's World, the spiritual oneness that occurs when two people are authentic and honest with each other is amazing. My work has allowed me to be a part of that experience time and time again. I will always be grateful for that.
I use numerous evidence-based interventions in my practice. These include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Harm Reduction Model and the Strengths Perspective. I collaborate with you to identify what you would like to work on first and I cater the interventions to best assist with the therapeutic goals that we have set. I believe that you know your situation better than anyone and that you are the "expert" during the change process. We will look at what has worked for you and what has not worked for you in the past and build on that. I feel my biggest assets that I bring to the table include compassion, a broad frame of reference on life experiences, a commitment to social justice, a respect for cultural diversity and the underlying belief that each of us are valuable and should be treated as such. Good luck on your journey!