Services
About My Clients
I strongly believe that everyone is unique and everyone’s story is unique; therefore, different approaches are essential in working with a wide variety of people. I am a true believer in the concept of “words shape beliefs” which powerfully affects our every day lived experiences. Changing is challenging since our daily current feelings, thoughts, & behaviors are familiar & therefore comforting. It is honoring to share space with you as you journey into the new and unfamiliar.
My Background and Approach
I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at the Pennsylvania State University. I am licensed as an independent clinical social worker in West Virginia and a licensed clinical social worker in Florida. In addition to my clinical work, I am a retired professor of social work. I taught in both West Virginia and Ohio and was a tenured full professor. I am rooted in the belief that mental and physical health are one and the same since the brain is part of your physical body. I am well versed in techniques associated with evidenced-based approaches that are client-centered, strengths-based and self-determined utilizing techniques, knowledge, and skills from Trauma-Informed Practice, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Based & Somatic Therapies, Healing & Expressive Arts Therapies (art, music, creative writing, Jungian archetypal tarot, astrological, energetic and other holistic/nature based modalities)
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I am a board-certified diplomat as a trauma/crisis/disaster specialist and a certified compassion fatigue specialist. I have served on many non-government organizations “firststrike” response teams during disasters and critical incidents on the local, state, federal and international level. I continue to provide workshops, seminars and pre-incident education. I have served on numerous local and on the West Virginia Attorney General Hate Crimes Task Force and the Racial Justice Coalition. I received 2 presidential appointments to represent WV on the Civil Rights Commisssion. I volunteer my therapeutic services with Give an Hour, which is dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of veterans and their families. I am deeply passionate about my fur-child and have worked and supported both my children and grandchildren who are part of the LGBTQIAP+ community. All this means is that I’ve been around the block a few times and offer creative ways to explore your true inner you!