About My Work

I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years in various settings and capacities, and have been in private practice since 2002. I have an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Marymount University in Virginia and completed post graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

My credentials include:

Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.)
Member of the American Counseling Association
Member of the Association of Play Therapy

Throughout my years as a counselor, I have worked in various settings, including private practice, schools, hospitals, an abused woman's shelter, correctional centers, and the court system. I have clinical experience working with children (as young as three years old), adults, couples and families.

I provide counseling for:

- Depression	- Behavioral issues	- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety disorders	- Assertiveness	- Asperger Syndome
- Stress management	- Self-esteem issues	- School behaviors
- Marital difficulties	- Family relationships	- Separation anxiety
- Separation and divorce

Types of Therapy

In my practice, I incorporate many types of therapy depending on the specific needs of each individual client:

Individual Therapy (Children and Adults)
This term refers to one-on-one therapy using a single or combination of therapeutic styles based on the specific needs of the individual.

Couples Counseling

Family Therapy
This type of therapy emphasizes the systems theory that family relationships are interactive and interdependent. Family members benefit from a deeper understanding of their needs and reactions in the context of their family.

Play Therapy
Children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and problems through the language of play. Play therapy is useful for all children, especially those that are not able to express their inner feelings through words or don�t really understand what�s going on inside. Research has shown that play therapy is effective in treating many emotional and behavioral problems in children. The following web link is helpful for parents who ask, "Why Play Therapy?" Why Play Therapy (3 minute media presentation)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is effective with children, adolescents and adults. It focuses on the role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works on the premise that our thoughts cause us to feel and behave in certain ways. Cognitive Behavioral Therapists ask questions and ask that people question their perceptions, like, �Is she not talking to me because I did something wrong and she�s mad at me? Or, is she just super busy or in a bad mood today and it has nothing to do with me?� CBT works because it helps people to change the way they think in order to respond in beneficial ways. The therapy is goal oriented, directive, and homework is given to help people understand how and why they act in certain ways. People benefit in the long term as they continue to understand that they only have control in changing themselves, not people and events outside themselves.

Equine Assisted Learning Program/Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - An exciting way to partner with horses to help people learn new skills. The program is 100% on the ground; no riding skills required.