Teletherapy for 20121

Being a child is a special time full of curiosity, exploration, and learning. It is also a time when your body is growing, language is developing, social skills are evolving, and your capacity to cope is a work in progress. It doesn’t take much to feel unsure, overwhelmed, stressed, or unseen. Struggles are expressed through emotional and behavioral distress - tantrums, defiance, dysregulation, difficulty with focus, transitions, separation, or withdrawal from others/school/activities. It can also show up as jealousy, attention-seeking, aggression, anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity. PCIT is specifically designed for this stage.

Relationship problems are among the most difficult we face. Good connections with our partners, children, extended family members, and friends are crucial to our emotional well-being and contribute to healthier and stronger communities. The majority of my professional life has been dedicated to learning how relationships work and helping my clients form nurturing attachments with their loved ones. I specialize in working with couples to deepen their connection and establish more effective communication patterns.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Panic Attacks, OCD, Generalized Anxiety, and ADHD. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and published a book on Panic Attacks "Attacking Panic: The Power To Be Calm." I am licensed to practice in Virginia and in California. In my current work I have been collaboratively working with clients on issues related to OCD, major life adjustments, and identity exploration.

I believe in a compassionate approach to therapy, working collaboratively to see inner and outer challenges in new ways so that you can have new choices in how you wish to them. Sometimes, it's useful to look to the past in therapy so as to change old patterns of thought, emotion and behavior in order to discover more liberating ways of being in the present and the future. Therapy also focuses on developing new skills to handle one's emotions and relationships so as to decrease suffering and work more effectively towards the goals that you care deeply about.

I began helping others in 1990 as a Peer Counselor (Drug Exemption NCO) while on active duty in the Marine Corps. After earning degrees in Psychology and Social Work at UNCW/ECU, I obtained licensure to practice independently with the Virginia Board of Health Professionals in 2004. I am originally from the Hampton Roads area but have worked internationally with people from many different backgrounds. I have continued to support the military, as well as the community at large, for over 3 decades with evidence-based treatments for trauma (PTSD).