About Me

“Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” – Pema Chödrön.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in treating adults in Richmond, Virginia. I have been in Private Practice full-time for over 25 years. Among my areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), loss of relationships, eating disorders, and trauma, whether from childhood or more recent traumatic experiences. I also help individuals resolve work struggles and life transitions. 

My clients describe me as calm and an excellent listener. They say that they like that I'm fully engaged in the therapy process and ask the right questions.

Feel free to read more about my work and to contact me with any questions you may have.

Services Provided

  • Individual Counseling
  • Training for therapists on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders
  • Consultation for Therapists

My treatment specializations:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Meditation/Mindfulness
  • Eating Disorders
  • Trauma, both from childhood and more recent traumatic experiences
  • Work and Career issues
  • Stress Management
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Separation/Divorce/Relationship Loss

Affiliations

  • Online Instructor, University of New England Graduate School of Social Work, (Portland, ME): January, 2015-Present
  • Faculty -The Ferentz Institute, Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education. (Baltimore, MD): October, 2009-Present
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

Education

  • MSW – Virginia Commonwealth University (1981)
  • BS – Syracuse University (1979)

Post Graduate Certifications

  • Certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy, The Wellness Institute (2019)
  • Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2007),
  • Life Force Yoga for Depression, Certified Level I, 2004
  • EMDR,  Certified Level II (1998)
  • Individual mentorship with the Director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the Medical College of Virginia (1995-1997)
  • EMDR,  Certified Level II (1998)

License

  • LCSW – State of Virginia, Department of Health Professions. (1991 – Present)  # 0904001818

Are you ready to take the first step?

My Values

Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is of utmost importance to me. I will never discuss you or your therapy with anyone unless you sign a Release of Information Form with the name of the person you'd like me to contact and the information you want me to reveal.

Creativity

Therapy is a creative process as everyone is different and their needs are different. I will tailor your therapy to meet your own individual needs.

Compassion

I care about you and understand that "it always makes sense, given where you come from." I know you are suffering, and I will not judge you, regardless of what you share with me.

Acceptance

I know that change is difficult, regardless of how hard a person tries. If you contact me, it is because you wish for something different. We will work at a pace that feels safe and supportive to you.