I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and went on to pursue my Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling with a concentration in Addictions Counseling. I have been certified as a Nationally Certified Counselor since 2009 (#252891) and I have been a practicing counselor since 2009.  I have worked in a variety of behavioral health settings prior to entering private practice. My other experiences range from inpatient clinician at Old Vineyard Behavioral Health, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Care Coordinator for a local Managed Care Organization, counseling university students, and outpatient substance abuse counseling. During my undergraduate and graduate training, I also gained experience volunteering as a Rape Victim’s Advocate, Crisis hotline, hospice bereavement volunteer, and a shelter substitute at a local domestic violence shelter. I have been a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (#1692) since October 2010 and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#7745) since December 2011. I am also a member of Addiction Professionals of North Carolina and Licensed Professional Counselor Association of North Carolina.

What are your credentials and experience as a therapist? Do you have a specialty? 

The primary theoretical approach that I utilize is the Person-Centered Approach. From this orientation, my goal is to create a comfortable and safe environment through genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In addition to the Person-Centered approach, I often use Adlerian Therapy, Solution-Focused and Reality Therapy. I will strive to meet you where you are in my therapeutic technique. Different situations and personalities call for varied approaches. If you find that a technique is not working for you, please notify me so we can discuss a more efficient way to meet your needs. 

What approach do you use for therapy? 

I am the most competent serving adults and specialize in dual diagnosis with mental health and substance abuse. However, I have experience working with individuals over the age of 13 who may be suffering from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, adjustment and transition issues, grief, domestic violence, sexual abuse, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders. 

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If the client is under the age of 18, I will involve the parents/caregivers for the initial intake session and determine involvement based on the best interest of the client in subsequent sessions. Ultimately, it is my goal to develop a safe and comfortable space for the client and it is important to me that the client feels he or she can share openly with me. 

What age range do you work within therapy? If a child is the patient, how will parents be involved in treatment?

What are the goals of therapy? Do you recommend a specific time frame or number of sessions? How will progress be assessed and what happens if I (or you, the therapist) feel I’m not starting to feel better?

Not one situation is the same. I work with you to identify the goals for you to become a healthier version of you. There is not a specific time frame or number of sessions since each circumstance is different. Some people come in for more specific solution-focused/short term counseling while others seek more long-term support for ongoing management of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. My role as your counselor is to evaluate your needs and make appropriate referrals to providers who can best meet your needs for aftercare services. I will assist as needed to support you in contacting and scheduling appointments but ultimately it is up to you to attend the appointments and follow up with recommendations. 

I may suggest tasks or “homework” to be completed outside of the counseling sessions in order to continue to foster progress towards your goals.

Will there be homework?

I am not a medical doctor or medical provider that can prescribe medications. If you are seeking a provider, I may be able to assist with referrals and I will also encourage consideration for a consent form to be signed allowing for communication between the prescribing provider and me as the therapist for continuity of care. 

Are medications an option? How will medications be prescribed if you are not an M.D.?

I am legally and ethically bound to uphold confidentiality in our relationship as well as the limitations to confidentiality by the state board that oversees my license: North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. You have the right to file a complaint if you believe that I have violated your confidentiality.  (By mail:  PO Box 77819 Greensboro, NC 27417 Phone: 844-622-3572 or 336-217-6007 or Fax: 336-217-9450). Giving you this information is the only ‘assurance’ I can provide. I also hope you would discuss with me any concerns or further questions you might have about this matter.

Are our meetings confidential?

How can this be assured?