As a young child, I had a horrible experience during my first exposure with a therapist. That experience has not only motivated me to do what I do and propelled my career, but has ignited my passion for working with kids so that they don’t have to have the same experience I did.

I am genuine and passionate about helping people feel safe and comfortable in therapy.

I feel that when a child is having difficulties, the whole family is in need. Many times people come to me as a last resort. Parents feel inadequate at handling the fears of their child. Everyone in the home feels as if they have to “walk on eggshells,” are constantly arguing and blaming each other, and feel at a loss as to what to do to help the situation.

I work individually with the child while empowering the parent to deal with the issues outside of treatment. Much of my work with the child is through developing stronger coping skills while my work with the parent(s) focuses on developing more effective parenting techniques and helping to gain insight into how the family is functioning.

I am a parent of a child diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I understand what it is like to feel hopelessness and frustrated in dealing with someone with fears that appear unusual or exaggerated. Anxiety affects the whole family. Many of the children and families I see are eager to start working and progress is typically seen in a few sessions. Each family member should come out with a greater understanding and a feeling of empowerment.

In addition to traditional therapy, I offer Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping, both in person and remotely.

A Little About My Professional Background

Education and Licenses:

• B.A. in Psychology from University of South Florida, 1997

• M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, 2001

• Licensed Mental Health Counseling in the state of Florida, 2003

Professional Experience:

• Therapist for children in therapeutic foster placements.

• Therapist in various community programs with the goal of preventing residential
  treatment and reunifying foster children with their parents.

• Supervisor over the clinical program of an in-patient mental health facility for children
  and teens.

• Over ten years in private practice working with children, teens, adults, and families.