I never know what to write about myself. For the longest time, my Bio was basically my resume but “Ew”! So I asked myself, what do I like to know about a prospective therapist? And here goes:
What are my qualifications, training, experience and specialties?
Qualifications:
I’m a LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker with a Clinical Specialty), which is the highest level of social work licensure in Maryland and means I can independently diagnose, treat and evaluate mental health disorders and/or emotional conditions as well as independently practice psychotherapy. I’m also a licensed LCSW in Pennsylvania, which is their highest level of social work licensure. I got my MSW in 1997 and BSW in 1996 from the University of Central FL. My 1st Bachelor’s Degree was in Psychology from UMBC in 1989.
Training:
I love to learn and am continually honing my skills. I routinely seek out high quality continuing education opportunities and go above and beyond the minimum required by the State of MD. My major areas of training and expertise are as follows: I have a Trauma Treatment Certificate (2004) and am trained in EMDR Therapy (2005; Certified in 2015) as well as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level I in 2011; Level II in 2017) and Neurofeedback (2016). I’ve been a Registered Supervisor with the MD Board of Social Work Examiners since 2006, which means I can provide Clinical Supervision to social workers who are interested in seeking their advanced licensure. I am currently a EMDR Consultant In Training, which means I assist others in honing their EMDR skills and/or obtaining their own EMDR Certification.
Work Experience:
I’ve been in the field for almost 25 years and have spent most of it in direct service with people providing psychotherapy and specialized treatment for people of all ages. My professional background includes experience in the fields of domestic violence, trauma, anxiety and mood disorder treatment, adolescent residential treatment, clinical administration as well as supervision and private practice. I love teaching others practical, effective ways of working with clients and have extensive experience, dating back to 1996, in providing workshops and/or teaching Graduate Students, which I did for fun at Loyola University (2012-2015) and University of MD School of Social Work (2014-2017).
Specialties:
Trauma (including Complex/Developmental), Dissociative, Anxiety & Somatic Disorders, as well as other conditions involving any type of “stuck learning” (for example: unhelpful but repetitive relationship patterns), Chronic Pain and Medically Unexplained Symptoms. I primarily use a blend of EMDR Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, Parts Work Therapy, Pet Therapy and Neurofeedback but am also trained in and use traditional “talk therapy” approaches as well.
Why Trauma?:
Being able to help someone access their “inner healing intelligence,” to “turn down the volume” of something that’s been disturbing them for months, years or even decades, is my passion! Helping people put the past to rest is sacred and very humbling work. And I absolutely love it!
Fun Fact: I am a HUGE Legend of Zelda fan!
Favorite Quote: “Time decontextualizes trauma. Just the march of time, without remembrance, can decontextualize trauma. So trauma in a person, decontextualized over time, can look like personality. Trauma in a family, decontextualized over time can look like family traits. Trauma decontextualized in a People can look like Culture.” – Resmaa Menakem
What About Melmo?:
He is a rescue Beagle, who joined our family in November, 2011 when he was just 8 weeks old. He became and remains a beloved member of the family. When he was around 2, I got the idea of training him as a Therapy Dog. He has since completed both the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training program as well as a Pet Therapy Training class and passed both tests. He’s often a calm presence during therapy sessions and is quite good at his job. I refer to him as the Canine version of the Gazing Guru because of how he gazes upon us with his soft, soulful eyes. Melmo has 1 doggy sibling and 2 kitty siblings. His most favorite things in the world are squeaky toys and being chased by his kitty siblings.
Fun Fact: The Rescue named him Elmo when he was born. And, before we ever knew of him, we’d chosen Melmo as an awesome dog name!
Favorite Quote: “Do you want a treat?”
