I grew up a middle child in a very loving family despite many challenges and struggles, in an era of civil rights tension, with a severely disabled sister. No matter what the roots of difficult feelings are, we’ve all experienced a wide range of emotions. I am stronger and more empathic due to the struggles and conflict I have experienced in my own life. I feel passionate about family and connection as well as self-determination.
I have always been interested in learning about people from all backgrounds and cultures, and that continues through my love of travel. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Education and Spanish, I enjoyed teaching English as a Second Language to people from all over the world before going to graduate school to study Counseling.
I lean toward a cognitive-behavioral approach, always keeping in mind that individuals are part of larger systems of relationships. I see many couples & enjoy helping them work through their differences to build connections. But I also appreciate it when one needs to move beyond a relationship, whether due to break-up or other types of loss.
Much of my work and interest has focused on moving beyond trauma and loss, which we all experience, whether large or small, women’s and relationship issues, and cross-cultural understanding. I use a combination of structured and personalized approaches and pull from both research and personal experience.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Spanish
- Master’s Degree in Community Counseling
- Post-graduate studies in Family Therapy and Psychology
Licensure/Certifications:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, # LC0527
- Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC, # PRC13708
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Washington, DC, # LMFT 000113
- Nationally Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor # 33035
- Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical
- Specialty certifications in Trauma therapy, Critical Incident Response
- Specialized training in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Gottman Method couples therapy, Psychological First Aid, Parenting Education, Integrated care, Grief and bereavement
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- American Mental Health Counselors Association
- American Counseling Association
- Employee Assistance Professional Association
- International Association of Counselors
- International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
- Maryland Mental Health Counselors Association (past board member from its founding)
- DC Mental Health Counselors Association
- Maryland Counselors for Social Justice
- Mental Health Advisory Committee board service, Montgomery County Maryland