“The best way out is always through."
-Robert Frost
Approach to therapy...
I help people individually, and in relationships, work through the things that are bothering them, reaching a place of understanding and self-acceptance which frees them from fear and anxiety.
Whether it is struggling with a past trauma, a loss of connection with a partner, the never-ending demands of being a parent, feelings of loneliness, anxiety and anger may arise; feelings of being “too much” or “not enough". It may seem easier to try to avoid the feelings, or try to "manage" them away. But this strategy can backfire leaving even more painful feelings in their wake. In the long run, it just doesn't work.
With warmth and wisdom, I help clients develop new ways of thinking about - and experiencing - life and relationships. And together, we develop concrete strategies to put these new ways into practice.
A Note about Diversity & Social Justice
I stand with the social work profession in acknowledging racism, the deep toll it takes on people of color, and the systemic injustices people of color face. I also acknowledge the discrimination that the LGBTQIA community faces and the trauma that both of these groups may experience in the US. I stand as an ally of these communities and seek to create a safe space where individual and systemic experiences are acknowledged and validated.
About me
Traveling around the world as a touring musician and running my own music business, I found myself drawn to the intimate moments of connection with those who stopped by to talk with me after my performances. Whether it was in West Virginia or Japan, people shared profound and emotional stories about their lives and struggles. We explored our shared humanity - both through song and conversation. This led to my second career as a psychotherapist.
I received a fellowship at the nation's leading anti-trafficking organization, Polaris (Washington, D.C.), working with victims of sex and labor trafficking. Following, I completed my Masters of Social Work, and became a practicing psychotherapist working with individuals, couples and families.
Over the years, I have provided psychotherapy in an outpatient mental health clinic, where I also developed and directed the Anti-Human Trafficking Program. This work honed my skills in helping individuals and couples who are suffering with anxiety, depression, issues of self-esteem, and trauma.
I live with my spouse and three children in Easton, Maryland.
Education & Training
• Northwestern University, Evanston, IL: Bachelor of Science
• University of Maryland at Baltimore, School of Social Work: Master of Social Work
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy™ Level One
• Training Level One Theraplay™ and Marschak Interaction Method™ (MIM)
• Certificate in Trauma Treatment from the Ferentz Institute
• Certificate in Trauma Education Connection Initiative (TECI), University of Maryland. Baltimore.
• Training Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy™ (TF-CBT)
• Tier 1 Intensive Training Collaborative Problem Solving™
• Expertise in Anti-Human Trafficking and Clinical Considerations in Treatment
• Fellowship at Polaris
• Direct service to people who have experienced human trafficking
• National Human Trafficking Hotline
Partial List of Speaking Engagements
• Wicomico Department of Health - Minority Youth Outreach Program
• Queen Anne County Department of Health
• Salisbury University
• Chesapeake College
• SWELL Conference
• MidShore Behavioral Health
• Channel Marker
• Talbot County Forensic & Crisis Work Group
• Carter Center (DJS Facility)
• Caroline County Multidisciplinary Team
• Collaborations with Eastern Shore Human Trafficking Task Force
• Choices Pregnancy Center
• Various Community Presentations
And the crowd goes wild...
I have had the pleasure of presenting to and training professionals in the State of Maryland and Delaware on issues related to human trafficking, including screening and clinical response. These engagements have garnered local press and radio.
*This photograph may or may not represent what the engagements look like in my mind's eye.