I have been providing therapy to clients since 1976, with initial specialization in working with adolescents and young adults. I received an undergraduate degree in 1969 from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky and worked as a high school teacher before deciding I could make more of an individual impact as a therapist. I received my Masters of Science in Community Mental Health from Northern Illinois University in 1975.
I started my initial experience in Illinois in a drug abuse prevention and treatment program most often, but not exclusively providing treatment to college students and staff, but also to the members of the County as well. I practiced in Louisville, Kentucky from 1977 through 1983 providing services to children, families, and older Americans.
Since 1985 to 2015, I provided therapy at the local behavioral health clinic. My work centered a lot around children, families and abuse issues. I have worked with adult survivors of sexual abuse, victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and all areas of grief counseling. I believe in establishing a rapport with my clients and from there working with cognitive behavioral therapy. Other types of therapy include but are not limited to Glasser's reality therapy tenets, Motivational Interviewing tenets of substance abuse therapy, humanistic client-centered work.. I have extensive experience in both providing therapy to victims of trauma and folks dealing with everyday conflict in their lives or family.
My experience in the behavioral Health arena as a psychotherapist has resulted in experience with most aspects of mental health, depression, anxiety, grief, chronic schizophrenia, adult ADHD, bi-polar disorder, and personality issues. My counseling style is one of warmth and ease, and have a history of working with my clients in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
I look forward to working in this new arena, meeting, assessing and helping new people-I look forward to meeting you.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder
WV LCSW CPOO45.0249