Counseling Philosophy
While we possess many innate tools to cope effectively with adversity, there are a variety of factors that can serve as barriers to achieving a healthy balance in life. Whether these barriers relate to internal processes or external circumstances, I believe that it is often beneficial for us to practice vocalizing our experience to others, since doing so can serve as a protective factor against internalizing radical monologues that may pop up from time to time. Excessive accumulation of unhelpful narratives can be tough to navigate in isolation, which is unfortunately a reality that somehow seems more prevalent for many in this day and age, even as we are more connected than ever from a technological perspective. Regardless of the internal processes and external circumstances referenced above, I strive to work with my therapeutic partnerships to see the present moment as an opportunity to prioritize wellness, practice flexibility, and cultivate long-term goals; after all, having an idea of where our path is going can be very helpful for maintaining a feeling of active participation in one’s life.
Although there are many commonalities that we share with one another, there is considerable variability between individuals' values, beliefs, aspirations, and stories, so I strive to be intentional about treating each individual as the expert of their own narrative.
As a trauma informed therapist, I take an eclectic approach toward treatment, utilizing the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, mindfulness, narrative-based, humanistic, internal family systems (IFS), and emotion focused theories, assisting individuals in the “here and now” to develop a meaningful rhythm in their healing journey.
My Enneagram is the Helper (Type 2) and the Challenger (Type 8), which helps to provide a nice balance to my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor. If you are interested in collaborating with me, please feel free to reach out so that we can brainstorm the logistics and see whether we will be a good fit.
Personal Statement about the Counseling Process: Therapy is a partnership and it relies on both sides of the relationship striving for transparency, flexibility, and mutual coordination while working toward the desired goals of the individual.
The Roots of the Practice
As someone who personally understands the value of tending to one's mental health, spending time in nature remains a crucial protective factor for me. As a native Virginian, I have many fond memories spending time hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which surround the greater Charlottesville area. These hikes, along with spending time with my dogs, became the foundation of my self-care routine. While I have always enjoyed having company from close family and friends on my nature excursions, I also came to understand that one must not always wait for others while navigating their path forward in life. With my dog Marley girl, who served as my Emotional Support Animal (ESA) until her passing, I traveled to Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Washington to find Mother Nature, and myself. While mountain climbing, and soul searching, over this several year period, a thought routinely crossed my mind: Go with the body and the mind will follow. I hope to help fellow travelers access this vast, therapeutic landscape, gifted to us all by a force far greater than ourselves. In this way, I will be offering select therapeutic nature walks for those local to the Charlottesville area and who meet the appropriate criteria for this type of "walk and talk" therapy. Please inquire for more information.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health: safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
— Bessel van der Kolk
Experience and Certifications
As of 2025, I possess roughly 10 years of counseling experience. After receiving my B.S. in Psychology from Longwood University in 2013, I served in a variety of different roles within the mental health professions: Intensive In-home, Mental Health Skill Building, Therapeutic Day Treatment, Case Management, and Day Companion. With some compassionate guidance and a gentle nudge from my former supervisor, Brandon Hoffman, LPC, at Empowering Families Program, I chose to start my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University in 2019, while continuing to provide support to individuals and families facing acute risk during the pandemic. Upon finishing my Masters in the Fall of 2021, I transitioned from working as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to start my Residency under the supervision of Dr. Monica Band at Mindful Healing Counseling Services. In order to gain a broader range of experience and more opportunity to work with individuals surrounding the greater Charlottesville area, I also provided outpatient services at Lifeworks Professional Counseling during my residency under the supervision of Tabitha Woodson, LPC. After finishing my residency in 2023, I pursued my License of Professional Counseling in both Virginia and D.C., before opening my solo practice at the end of 2024
I have completed Part 1 and 2 of EMDR training via the EMDR International Association. I have also completed Level 1 and Level 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
