I have been a licensed psychotherapist for over 20 years. I obtained my BA in Psychology from the University of Richmond in 1994 and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia in 1997. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) and have been trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Complex Trauma (parts work), Hakomi, Core Energetics, dream work, mindfulness based stress reduction, and traditional modalities (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic).  I recently obtained a certification in Integrative (holistic) Health from the University of Arizona.

I am one out of about 4300 clinicians worldwide recognized by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) as being fully certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy that has a wealth of research supporting its efficacy in treating people with PTSD, abuse, depression and anxiety.  I was recently recertifed by taking a course about combining EMDR Therapy and Mindfulness for Trauma-Focused Care by the Institute for Creative Mindfulness.  

I have been a two-time recipient of the top 3 therapists for bedside manner by Our Health Magazine and was noted by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals as a top social worker in Salem.  For many years, I have supervised bachelors and masters level clinicians working towards their degrees and licenses.  

No matter what brings you to therapy, I follow Carl Jung's foundational approach to therapy: each client is unique and the development of the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of our work together. The dynamic interchange between the therapist/ client relationship and the clinical interventions used is experiential and an often beautifully rewarding experience.  As a result of therapy, you will hopefully experience many of the following results:

~a greater acceptance of life as it is
~fewer addictive and compulsive behaviors
~an increased sense of worthiness and self-esteem
~a greater desire to be independent and self-supporting
~an increased sense of happiness, less anxiety and depression
~diminished shame
~a more balanced view on life and relationships
~a more compassionate view of your body
~an increased ability to be assertive and emotionally expressive
~a greater ability to form meaningful relationships with yourself and others
~more productivity at work