I’m a Therapist Who Hopes
You’ll Need Me Less
Change might be scary and it is almost necessary. If we want something different we have to do something different. As a therapist my goal is to get you to explore your own strengths, beliefs and reactions (both to yourself and others). The goal of therapy with me is to get you to a point where you no longer need a therapist and you are confident enough to be your own interventionist. This comes through exploration, insight and sometimes challenging perspectives.
I’m Straight Forward.
And I’m Kind of Funny.
I employ a very realistic approach to therapy. We will work as a team. I will help you address your fears, limitations and most importantly enhance your strengths. I am straight forward and also compassionate. I am not the type of person who will agree with you just to make you feel better. I will challenge you and help you see alternate perspectives. At times I will use humor (and possibly sarcasm) to help you in your journey to better know yourself. I cannot solve your problems for you but I will guide you to your own conclusions and the use of your own coping and growing tools.
My Serious Side
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Pennsylvania. I have over 20 years experience in the field of mental and behavioral health. I have worked in multiple areas including inpatient psychiatric social work, medical social work, Employee Assistance Programs, inpatient substance abuse and also corporate settings.
I choose to study the field of social work because it explores the person as a whole. What does this mean? My training not only focused on behavioral health but also family systems, supports and how our entire surroundings (where we live, our family, our jobs and our genetics) impact our everyday lives.
Education & Credentials
Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
West Virginia University
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
State of Pennsylvania since 2010
Music – Dancing – Gratitude
In my personal time I enjoy live entertainment. I am an avid lover of concerts and theater. I am well versed in many eras of rock and pop music (hello 90’s rock, grunge and girl power, 70’s rock and disco, and also some more modern artists). I can often be found local venues for live music and the arts. I enjoy reading (mostly biographies) and dancing (mostly at home where nobody sees me). I try to take time daily to practice gratitude for the simple things. Fun fact is I took a beginner’s Improv class a few years ago and it was much more difficult than I imagined. I would recommend this to anyone who things they are quick witted and funny. I thought I was too turns out I’m not as quick as I used to be!
