"It isn't the mountains ahead that wear you out, its the pebble in your shoe."

                                               Muhammad Ali

 

Sometimes life feels like you're climbing a mountain and it may seem like you will never reach the top. I know in my life I have faced many challenges, many losses, accomplishments and failures (which I prefer to call things that just didn't work out). I know how life can sometimes feel difficult and a never ending struggle. I know others face this as well and I hope through my own insights and over 35 years of experience as a counselor I may be able to help you set a course to reach your mountaintop and sort through those pebbles that may get in your way. Over the years, I have attempted to develop a practice with non judgement, where the uniqueness of each client is valued and together through an interactive dialogue we work to  build on your strengths, develop goals that will assist you in facing your current challenges with confidence, as well as learn strategies to help resolve the problems that bring you to therapy.  

I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983 with a master's degree in social work.  My work experience began in residential care providing individual and group treatment for adolescents who could no longer live with their families due to a variety of reasons including abuse and/or behavioral difficulties that could not be managed in the home.  I received extensive training in family structural therapy and ecological systems theory and worked with children and their families to assist them in staying in their homes, moving into foster care or transitioning into independent living. I also worked for and became a supervisor in an agency that provided in-home counseling services for children and their families to prevent out of home placement and consulted with therapeutic family group homes to assist them with implementing effective behavior management programs for the children in their care. 

 

While living in Charlottesville, VA I established a private practice and worked there until moving to Wilmington 23 years ago.While in Wilmington I have worked in a mental health agency, a private non profit and in a homeless shelter prior to establishing another private practice here at Insight.  I have extensive experience in counseling victims of childhood trauma both through individual counseling and group work. I have worked extensively with abuse survivors using experiential techniques such as art, writing, story telling, guided imagery, relaxation and mindfulness.  Throughout the years  I have received training in mindfulness meditation and the use of relaxation exercises to benefit clients who were experiencing depression and anxiety related to past trauma. 

 

I am a proponent of the use of alternative techniques such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care and exercise to address emotional  issues that also manifest as physical problems such as chronic pain, headaches, digestive problems and sleep difficulties. 

 

Currently I am providing counseling services to individuals with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, life transitions and anger management problems. I also provide couples counseling and family counseling to address conflict resolution and support effective communication, problem solving and nurturing relationships. 

 

I look forward to meeting you, hearing you and together working to reach your mountain top whatever that may be.