I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, couples, parents, pre-teens and teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress, health issues, and other challenges. I have a particular interest and skill set in supporting people living or working across cultures – including immigrant and migrant communities, individuals seeking refuge from community violence, expats, Foreign Service, military, and third culture kids (TCKs) and their families. I also have direct experience with and special interest in working with families affected by Type 1 Diabetes.
My approach to therapy is open, authentic, nurturing, creative, and collaborative. I work with my clients to foster resilience, cultivate mindful awareness, see things anew, and live in tune with their values and the vision of who they most want to be in the world. My work draws upon a variety of perspectives, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am also trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
My route to Virginia has been meandering. I am originally from Austin, TX, but have spent 15 years of my adult life living overseas – in 7 countries, across 4 continents. I have a BAs in English and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin. After a stint teaching high school and working in community health, I received my MSW from UT Austin in 2004 with a focus in clinical social work, international social work, and conflict resolution. I am also a certified mindfulness teacher with a focus on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
My spouse and I have been married for over 20 years and are raising three children from elementary age through (almost) college. I am a naturally active and optimistic person. From singing in the kitchen to shooting hoops with my son, from family travel to diving deep into a big stack of books – I believe in living fully and seeing the opportunity that exists in each seemingly small moment. I see clients in person at our Arlington/Alexandria office and via tele-therapy for clients living in Virginia, Texas, or abroad and connected to a US Embassy.