About Me
My Approach
I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, always from a strengths-based perspective grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Your brain isn't bad, wrong, or broken, and neither are you. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, which allows me to develop a truly one-of-a-kind therapeutic approach for each client which best plays to your strengths, and most gently and effectively addresses your challenges. I believe therapy is a process of learning and unlearning as you grow towards and into the person you were meant to be. I use humor and lightness as often as possible in sessions to create a comfortable, approachable, creative space for growth and healing. In our sessions your quirks are not only welcome, but celebrated! I strive to ensure our sessions are a place you feel safe to unmask, stim, sensory soothe, and whatever else feels right as you discover, explore, and embrace your authentic self.
Therapeutic Modalities
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Informed
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Attachment Theory
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Polyvagal Theory
Education & Experience
I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Social Work. My career in the mental health field spans nearly ten years across a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, adult and youth residential treatment, community mental health, school-based outpatient therapy, private practice, and mental health advocacy.
Notable Quirks (not an exhaustive list)
Quirk Profile: Autism (Spiky Profile), ADHD, Dysgraphia, Twice-Exceptional, Spoonie
Interests: dinosaurs, musical theater, creative writing, drawing, Dungeons & Dragons
Special Interests: mental health, psychology, neuroscience, Survivor
Favorite Stims: kicking my feet when excited, auditory/vocal stims, organizing and arranging objects and information, tactile stimming
Sensory Likes: plushies, aromatherapy, soft lighting, spicy food
Sensory Dislikes: paper bag sounds, bright lights, tight sleeves, clothing seams
Communication Quirks: literal thinking and communication style, averse to eye contact, frequent info-dumping on interests and special interests, animated facial expressions, prone to echolalia and palilalia