The Therapist's Room
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A Compassionate and Direct Approach To Personal Growth
We are one organism, mind and body. When the mind suffers, so does the body. Over the last ten years, there has been an explosion of research on the effects of trauma on the body and mind. Trauma produces medical diagnoses such as autoimmune disorders, as well as depression and anxiety. A traumatic event does not have to be something that is perceived as life threatening such as war, physical or sexual abuse, or the events of 9/11. We now understand through research that traumatic experiences can be events that are recurrent, chronic, and internal. For example, being repeatedly shamed by a teacher in school can build up an inner voice that perpetuates the shame and causes depression and anxiety.
It’s not the event that causes the trauma. It’s not what happened when you were a child or the fact that COVID changed your way of life over night. Rather, it’s what happened to you, how you coped with the event. In far too many cases, people isolate and hold their pain inside to shield others from their emotions such as anger and sadness. To isolate a human from loving kindness, is a straight up torture technique. As a result, engaging in a therapeutic relationship takes a profound amount of courage. To open up what others have shut down with shame and judgement, is a rock climbing feat.
Since 2018, I have been practicing as a trauma informed therapist, primarily utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a healing modality. To see your personality as parts, allows you to provide unconditional and long standing support and reduces the feeling of loneliness. This modality will allow you to explore the causes of emotional pain, the utility of the coping strategies you have used, and how to approach yourself with more kindness. To learn how to be your own best friend, is a gift that will allow you to improve relationships and will lead a more fulfilling life.
I provide a caring and nonjudgmental environment to allow clients to explore what happened to them, how they adapted, and how they can better support themselves. I take a non pathological approach to symptoms, understanding that my clients have adapted in the best way they knew how. I empower clients through a lens of they are the experts and I'm on a journey with them, providing alternative interpretations and skills. No one knows you better than you know yourself. Through companionship and a respectful approach, you will find a way to better connect with yourself and in your relationships.
I continually grow my practice, both professionally and personally, through consultations, group supervision, and by staying active in the IFS community through trainings and study groups. I am also approved to provide telehealth to clients who reside outside of Virginia through the PSYPACT Interjurisdictional Compact. There are many states that are approved and the list is continually being updated, so reach out if you reside outside of Virginia.
Qualifications
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Licensed Clinical Psychologist with the Virginia Board of Psychology
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Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology completed at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University 2010.
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Dissertation Title: Clinician Opinion of Underlying Correlates to Self-Injurious Behaviors, 2009.
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Seven years with a group private practice in Northern Virginia
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Internship and Externship at Rappahannock Community Services Board
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Assessment Practicum completed in a middle school
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Therapy Practicum completed at an outpatient substance abuse treatment program
Certifications
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained
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PSYPACT Interstate Telehealth Approved
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Forensic Evaluations including competency to stand trial and sanity at time of offense completed at the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy - University of Virginia 2010.