Emotional and behavioral challenges in childhood and adolescence affect the child and the rest of the family unit as well. Caregivers often find themselves heartbroken while they watch their child struggle through issues they wish they could take away, and if the child is acting out behaviorally, it is common for caregivers to feel even more hurt and confused.
I offer therapy treatment for children ages 3 and up, as well as adults and families, for the diagnosis and treatment of emotional, relational, and behavioral concerns, as well as to offer support services and psychoeducation to their caregivers and other family members.
I’ve dedicated over 20 years to guiding people like you and helping children and teens on their journey toward emotional, social, and psychological wellness. Do you often feel like an invisible wall is holding you back? You’re not alone. The truth is , we all truly are doing out best at any given time, with what we have and with the best of what we know, and that’s more commendable than you might realize.
How Can I Help?
I specialize in child and adolescent counseling and working with trauma and anxiety. I primarly use play therapy and creative expressive techniques in conjunction with relational neurobiology: the science of connection! I also teach and utilize the facets and strategies found within Dr. Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory; these strategies significantly help regulate our nervous systems, and not only benefit your child’s capacity to regulate their big feelings, but they are also shared with caregivers, because when the caregiver is regulated, their child gains effective comfort and co-regulation, which results in a heightened sense of felt safety and then, connection. We are all born with the biological imperative of requiring connection, this is what makes us feel safe and keeps us better regulated. When everyone is feeling safe and connected, comfort, relief, and compassion thrives. It makes a world of difference. I can help you and your family gain this peace and begin enjoying the joy of each other’s presence again.
Experience and Credentials
I attained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from West Virginia University in 2004 with specialization in community counseling. I then returned WVU in 2008 and
completed additional coursework and internships and obtained my school counseling certification.
For over 20 years, I have committed my heart and soul to helping children and families. This isn’t just a job for me, it’s my passion – my calling. I know how it feels to struggle as a kid, and I know what it feels like to struggle in my role as a parent. We each have very unique needs but pursue most of the same goals at any given time. It is soul crushing to go through life’s difficulties and feel like you have to do it alone, and when you become a parent, your child’s hurt becomes your own as well. This is why I’ve spent all my years of training and working in this field continuously, ensuring that I am up to date on evidence-based treatments and using only these treatments with my clients and families.