BACKGROUND
I earned my doctoral degree (PhD) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, completed my internship and fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine, and have been providing therapy and psychological assessment services to families in the Northern Virginia area for over 12 years. I have experience working in a variety of clinical settings including family medicine clinics, schools, psychiatric inpatient units, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health clinics, hospitals, and group practices.
The majority of my professional life has been dedicated to learning how relationships work and helping my clients form nurturing attachments with their loved ones. In addition to therapy, I have an extensive background in psychological and personality assessment. As a psychologist, I have the unique ability to use scientifically-developed assessment tools to streamline treatment planning and provide clients with information about their temperament, coping strategies, and relational style. My clients often find this information therapeutic in and of itself because it helps them understand and have more compassion for themselves and others.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, visiting new places, watching musicals, and eating as much pasta as possible!
Approach
Relationship problems are among the most difficult we face. Good connections with our partners, children, extended family members, and friends are crucial to our emotional well-being and contribute to healthier and stronger communities. My therapeutic approach is based on a systems perspective that views clients in the context of their close relationships and larger social circles. Therapy necessitates individual growth, and I believe this growth is easier to sustain when the support system around the individual adjusts and grows as well.
My favorite mentor used to say, “Therapy should move people towards their goals faster than normal life.” I take that responsibility to my clients seriously. My clients can expect me to be straight-forward, empathic, and actively engaged in their therapeutic process.
