Credentials

• LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker DC# LC50078567
• Adjunct Faculty, American University, School of Education, Teaching, & Health

Education

• MSW, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
• Gestalt Psychotherapy Program, Washington Center for Conciousness, Washington, DC
• MBA, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
• BSChE, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Experience

• Whitman-Walker Clinic, Washington, DC
• The Women's Center, Vienna, Virginia
• Insight Treatment Centers, Camp Springs & College Park, MD
• George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC

Affiliations

• Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society (MAGPS)
• American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• Washington Area Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapists (WALGAP)

Scope of Practice

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Issues
  Life in the LGBT community can be paradoxical. On the one hand, life can seem full and vibrant. Closet doors are wide open, and the world awaits! At least that seems to be the impression given by popular culture. We might believe that every LGBT person is young, glamorous, and leading exciting lives. But it’s not always like that. Being gay is complex, fraught with questions about intimacy, aloneness, identity, and community. Societal prejudice inevitably is internalized in the attitudes of all individuals, even within the LGBT community itself. Exploring these subtle attitudes, their origins and their validity in a non-judgmental environment allows clients to make positive changes on many levels.

My sensitivity to these issues and personal involvement with the community enable my clients to feel an immediate sense of comfort and safety. Whether the issue is coming out (to self, parents, or others), dealing with homophobia,heterosexism, relationships, sex, fitting in, parenthood, or any life altering event or crisis, my nonjudgmental perspective provides a backdrop for moving forward in life in a way that supports the client's personal values.

• Relationships and Intimacy
  Helping individuals and couples realize more fulfilling and intimate relationships in their lives is a major goal of my practice. Using different client-specific approaches, I can help with problems in communication, compatibility, control, and other issues. Your goal could be to find a relationship, start a relationship, build a relationship, heal a relationship, save a relationship or end a relationship. I work as a consultant to the relationship as well as the two individuals involved in it. I look for ways to strengthen communication and mutual trust, and especially to have the couple get back in touch with the loving feelings that led them to enter the relationship in the first place. I also find it very helpful to teach couples specific techniques that can be substituted for destructive behaviors and habits that have crept into the relationship.

Relationships are precious and can be, like many other precious things, delicate. The very love that is at the heart of relationship can lead to jealousy, disappointment, or feelings of betrayal. Relationship therapy is a powerful tool that can be used in the service of the love two people have for each other to put things back on track. Alternatively, therapy can also be used to soften the hurt of a split when it’s become apparent that a split is what’s necessary. And, often, therapy is a way to find out whether getting back on track or splitting is indeed the best course for the couple involved. In the final analysis, the quality of a relationship is far more important than the usual measure which is quantitative: longevity. If you are interested in improving the quality of your relationship, I’m confident that I can be of help.

• Addictions and Chemical Dependency
  The processes of change and recovery for individuals, couples, and families affected by addictions and chemical dependency are complex. The process begins with an exploration of where you are right now and proceeds toward a more healthy life by working in conjunction with self-help support groups and local treatment centers. I have a special interest in working with adult children of alcoholics, who even though they may not be chemically dependent themselves, have been affected by being raised in an alcoholic home.

• Mid-Life Challenges
  The ages of 35 to 50 can be a challenging time in which the decisions one made in their teens and twenties just don't seem to be working at mid-life. The so-called “mid-life crisis” is very real, and deciding which way to go and/or getting support for new direction can be essential to a smooth transition. My work centers on how to enable clients to find themselves and move forward in new directions.

• End-of-Life Challenges/Grief and Loss
  Aging, physical changes, limitations and challenges, terminal illness, loss and grief often require the help of a trained professional in order to feel whole and complete during this stage of life. The transpersonal perspective including exploration of spirituality is known to be one of the best for helping clients deal with change and loss in life. My own mindful awareness meditation practice and study in this area allow me to work well with clients in all stages of the grief process.

• Transition and Change
  Change necessarily brings about the need to let go of the past and many of our attachments. Again, a spiritual and transpersonal approach can help clients to work through the losses inherent in change and transition. While change is inevitable, even the most positive life changes bring tough challenges that may require support and guidance.

• Mood Disorders
  Anxiety and depression are a part of everyone's life. When they become persistent or prevent us from moving forward in life it is time for professional help. I will work directly with you on relieving your symptoms as well as with a psycho-pharmacologist if medication is necessary.

• Self-Esteem and Personal Empowerment
  At the core of many a human problem is the issue of lack of self-esteem. Our society and culture have told us who we are supposed to be in order to be worthy. Self-esteem actually comes from within and we can work together to help you realize your full potential . Shame and guilt can be explored in a sensitive and nonjudgmental manner, creating a new sense of self and accompanying personal empowerment.

• Transpersonal and Spiritual Psychotherapy
  I combine Eastern and Western schools of thought in my practice and believe in the concept that we are all spiritual beings. As such, a holistic mind, body, and spirit approach to life's issues is inherent in my work with clients. Some clients are more interested in working transpersonally and spiritually than others, and I always work within the comfort zone of my client's system of beliefs and core values.