Hey There!

I come from a strengths-based, solution-focused, internal resilience perspective. I often use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing),  TRM  (Trauma Resiliency Model),  DARe (Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experiences), and a wee bit of humor, when appropriate, as clients find new ways of thinking that get them nearer to who and how they want to be.  

I enjoy working with clients who experience high levels of anxiety, panic, anger, and fear that are often a result of trauma. I also work with clients wanting to shift relationship patterns, move through significant life changes, learn self-reliance and emotional resiliency, explore identity, and self-awareness. I was trained in EMDR in 2011, completed the final training of TRM in 2016, successfully using these modalities with the majority of my clients. Other semi-pertinent information is that I'm licensed in both North Carolina (LCMHC #7686) and Washington state (LMHC #60884991). Yes, I absolutely know my logo and email address don't match my current licensure. Aren't we all a work in progress? Also, my picture is definitely not current (circa 2015), though my exterior hasn't changed much since then.

I've lived in North Carolina for most of my life, so I suppose previous accusations of my being overly statriotic is true. I completed my undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill in Anthropology and Folklore, where I learned that I enjoy creating metaphors, connecting with people about what makes them tick, and listening deeply in a curious and nonjudgmental way. I received my master’s degree in Community Counseling from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, in 2007. Because I perpetually feel like I am ~25 years old, I seem to have fit right in having worked with students at both Western Carolina University and UNC Asheville in their respective counseling centers. I have been lucky enough to work with humans aged 18 to 81 on issues surrounding relationships, attachment patterns, family systems, existential questions, sports performance and gender identity.