ABOUT
I am a licensed professional counselor who provides both in-person and online therapeutic services for individuals and couples. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and eating issues. For the past ten years, I have been a valuable resource to individuals, couples, and families as they navigate the unique challenges of their personal lives. I do so with a great deal of discretion, providing confidentiality to elite cases that require delicate privacy. I have extensive training and can easily determine a treatment approach that is safe, manageable, and effective. I have successfully provided therapy to individuals and groups struggling with anxiety and depression, post traumatic stress, alcohol and drug abuse, sex and love addictions, and eating disorders. I seek to quickly identify the root cause of the problem to provide sustainable relief and results.
MY EXPERIENCE
Background & Expertise
I hold a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. In addition to being a licensed counselor, I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, I am credentialed in addiction counseling, and I am also trained by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is an effective approach for helping couples overcome challenges. Some other techniques that I have been trained in include yoga/meditation, post induction therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am an active affiliate of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
TRAUMA
Experiencing traumatic events impacts our sense of safety, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. There is a wide spectrum of responses to trauma ranging from healthy processing and resolution to significant impairment in functioning and overwhelming trauma symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, emotional numbness, and irritability. Research has indicated that unaddressed traumas are linked with not only emotional and cognitive impairments (e.g. post-traumatic stress, substance use, anxiety, depression, somatic pain), but also physical health problems (e.g. obesity, diabetes, heart disease, strokes, cancer). Whether your trauma is recent or happened many years ago, it is never too late to get help.
ADDICTIONS
Simply put, addiction is a medical disease which includes compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences and behavioral addictions are akin. This is not a matter of being bad or good, strong or weak. Addiction impacts your health, brain functions, self-esteem, and relationships with loved ones. Without professional intervention, it takes over. Recovery is possible - one day at a time. Therapy along with a healthy support system sets a strong foundation for recovery. Research has shown that the longer a person stays in treatment, the higher their chances of a successful recovery.
EATING ISSUES
Therapy is a great place to begin to explore and challenge thoughts, feelings, and behaviors tied to body image concerns that may contribute to you or a loved one over or under eating. Whether weight loss or weight gain is the goal for treatment, working with a therapist can be a key motivator in helping you accomplish your goals for a healthy lifestyle.
COUPLES THERAPY
Conflict, stress, and poor communication have a way of reeking havoc on relationships. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a science-based approach that provides tools for couples to improve their interactions, bonding, and lives together.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
January 2005 - May 2009
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Sept 2009 - June 2011
As a psychology major I learned to use research methods and statistics to study the brain and behavior, and apply these methods to solving some of humankind’s most important issues. The program developed my critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills.
A Master of Counseling provided me with the skills to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. It has afforded me the ability to participate in direct client service, advocacy, and policy. I received the knowledge and skills necessary to be a leader in the behavioral health profession.
CONSULTATION
What I Can Do For Your Team
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Outstanding Quality
I possess an ability to initiate, plan, execute, control, and close high quality and regulatory projects of all sizes. I have a positive work experience developing teams to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria within a critical time frame. I have overcome challenges presented when managing a team in achieving all of the project goals within the given constraints.
COMMUNICATION
Truly Top-Notch
I have demonstrated the ability to maintain clarity of large teams through effective verbal and written communications. Developing, writing, and presented through public speaking is a skill of mine. Team members typically report to feeling qualified to do their jobs as a result of my training programs. Leadership teams that I have managed express feeling as if they can be themselves and speak freely as a result of fostering a healthy work environment.
MOTIVATE
Only the Best
In a recent DISC Profile, I was determined to be a "Motivator". Through collaborative work environments and strong interpersonal skills, I have been able to provide a work environment where staff report to being motivated to accomplish the task at hand and strive with passion to the next level.