About Me
Background and Training
My interest in how people think and feel began when I was young. When I was seven, my father and I read books together about dreams and human emotions. I was fascinated by what makes people think, feel, and behave the way they do—and that curiosity eventually became my profession.
I studied psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Emory University. I completed my internship at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, working with Veterans experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship through Emory University at Grady Hospital.
For the past 15 years, I have worked with Veterans and civilians experiencing trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, adjustment to significant medical events, grief, relationship changes, parenting, retirement, and other life transitions.
My Approach to Therapy
I am an active and collaborative therapist. I don't simply listen while you talk—I ask questions, reflect on what I hear, and work with you to understand what is happening and what needs to change. My goal is for you to gain insight and leave therapy with a clearer understanding of what you can do differently in your life.
My approach is integrative, drawing from different therapeutic strategies depending on your needs. I am particularly influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I also believe that processing emotions and past experiences can be an important part of creating lasting change.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Some people benefit from a structured treatment with specific goals and steps, while others need space to process a loss, transition, or difficult experience. We work together to determine what will be most helpful for you.
I strive to create a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and practical environment where you can feel understood, work through what is getting in the way, and make meaningful progress.
"Whether you think
you can or think you cannot,
you're right."
- Henry Ford
Therapy Interventions
I use evidence-based treatments—approaches that have been shown to be effective—when they are appropriate for your needs. I am trained and certified in:
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, and sleep issues
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Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
I also incorporate elements of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
when they may be helpful.
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