About Me
About Me
Hello!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who primarily works with women online and in-person in the state of Virginia. You may be experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, or may just feel overwhelmed by all of life’s demands. I meet you where you are, and we collaboratively work together, charting the best course of action to address both your immediate and long-term needs. I provide evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness in a safe, calm, and empowering environment, allowing you to reach your goals and finally create the life you deserve to live.
Experience
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I have been a Social Worker in various roles my entire adult life. Before opening Vibrant Life, PLLC. I gained a breadth of experience working as a Foster Care Specialist, a Mental Health Therapist for high-risk youth and their parents in hospital, residential, home, and school settings, a Mental Health Counselor for adults in both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, and also provided supportive counseling with patients and loved ones in hospice and palliative care settings.
Experience
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I have been a Social Worker in various roles my entire adult life. Before opening Vibrant Life, PLLC. I gained a breadth of experience working as a Foster Care Specialist, a Mental Health Therapist for high-risk youth and their parents in hospital, residential, home, and school settings, a Mental Health Counselor for adults in both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, and also provided supportive counseling with patients and loved ones in hospice and palliative care settings.
Approach
As a clinical social worker, I see situations, challenges, and solutions in a person-in-environment context. Instead of merely pathologizing your challenges, I take a more holistic approach that considers the multifaceted fabric of your life. I consider your history, strengths, and current community/support system to name a few. Empowering you to live a life that is unique and true to you is central to my work.
I find TEAM- CBT along with Mindfulness practices extremely effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is designed to help you tackle overwhelming problems by breaking them down into manageable parts. It focuses on changing negative thoughts and patterns to improve how you feel. Unlike some other therapies, CBT addresses your current issues rather than delving into your past. TEAM-CBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy framework developed by Dr. David Burns, MD, Adjunct Emeritus Professor at Stanford School of Medicine. This approach integrates various innovative techniques to enhance the effectiveness of CBT.
Approach
As a clinical social worker, I see situations, challenges, and solutions in a person-in-environment context. Instead of merely pathologizing your challenges, I take a more holistic approach that considers the multifaceted fabric of your life. I consider your history, strengths, and current community/support system to name a few. Empowering you to live a life that is unique and true to you is central to my work.
In addition to working with women, I also work with members of various other communities. I work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and I am queer allied. I also enjoy working with those who identify as body positive, single mothers, and those who are on the difficult cancer journey. My work is for those who are adults 18 years and older and are ready to change.
Background
Beyond CBT and Mindfulness, I utilize an eclectic approach that includes various other approaches and modalities. Some of these therapeutic tools include compassion focused work, expressive arts therapy, narrative therapy, person-centered approaches, positive psychology, and strengths-based work. As we engage in this work together, I pull from these tools to meet your varying and ever-changing needs.
I have always been interested in people and have had a curiosity about how people view the world. Like you, I have had my fair share of life struggles. I trace back my desire to help others to having been impacted by the unexpected death of my disabled little sister when I was young child. I remember feeling alone in my confusion and sadness and wished someone would take the time and effort to really connect with me so that I could process my feelings. I vowed that I would be the kind of person that noticed and tuned into others and would do my best to really care and understand them. Over the years I have kept that sense of curiosity, observation, and empathy. Through my own research, self-help, counseling, and education I have added the skills to continue to evolve personally and help others on their healing journey. I can say first hand that the power of being fully understood by another caring individual, along with examining and changing thought patterns is truly transformational.
Some of my free time activities include: spending time in nature, playing pickleball, traveling, dancing, music, yoga, cooking and spending time with my husband, sweet dog, friends and family.
I look forward to working with you!
