Whether you are trying to sort out a specific challenge, make a big decision, or just feel you need someone to talk to, welcome! Counseling is a great way to look at things from a new angle, take a step back, or look a little closer (sometimes all at once!)
I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed in North Carolina, with over 15 years of experience.
I frequently work with people coping with work-life balance, major life changes, workplace stress, burnout, and grief. I also work with people encountering relationship and family issues.
I have particular expertise in using the tools of Narrative Medicine / Narrative Health to address the stress and burnout related to working in healthcare and social change / non-profit work. These tools involve reading and reflection and are particularly effective in addressing burnout, compassion fatigue, and sustained stress related to treating patients / clients, serving marginalized populations, or addressing the impact of complex or dysfunctional systems.
I also have a speciality in working with individuals coping with acute or chronic illness. Medical issues can leave us feeling vulnerable and uncertain. Illness or injury can change the way we see ourselves and our relationships. It’s frequently difficult to make sense of it all. Whether you “just don’t feel like yourself,” have just received a diagnosis, or have been living with chronic illness for a long time, talking with a counselor can help you get perspective, manage stress, or even thrive.
If someone close to you is dealing with medical issues or disability, counseling can help in many of the same ways.
The counseling process starts where you are. We work together to identify your strengths and build on them. I offer tools and support to help you make decisions, solve problems, cope with change, or just explore what is meaningful to you.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I am LGBTQ+ Affirming and I honor all the ways we identify ourselves.
My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling.
If spirituality or religion is important to you, I honor your path and welcome that perspective in our sessions. I utilize mindfulness-based stress reduction, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques. I also work with story-telling, journaling, and other kinds of writing exercises to help you tell your story from a new perspective. (You do not have to be a writer to benefit from these tools!) I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to talking with you!
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression, Coaching