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For more than 25 years, I have treated teens and adults, customizing treatment to each client by identifying unique goals and strategies that reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and decrease disruptive or self-harming behaviors. I help clients change their narrative and get 'unstuck', leading to increased self-esteem and more adaptive ways to deal with painful feelings and persistent negative thoughts.  My approach frees my clients to be their best selves as they employ new skills in everyday life that sustain them through life's difficulties. 

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I am known for my expertise in treating eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma of all kinds; I am a certified trauma therapist from the Ferentz Institute as well as certified in EMDR. As I treat adolescent clients, I work closely with each family to determine when parental involvement is warranted and often coordinate care by collaborating with school counselors, psychiatrists, and physicians. 

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I make use of a wide variety of evidence-based treatments, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Ego State Therapy (for complex trauma), and Emotionally Focused Therapy; you can read more about these methods here.  Additionally, I may draw upon yoga and mindfulness practices to help clients in their journeys when I think they will be beneficial. 

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I draw on a wealth of experience to successfully treat patients with a variety of complex issues.  I have worked as a trauma therapist treating sexual assault; an outpatient senior clinician in community mental health; a counselor to at-risk women and children in Guatemala; and a bereavement counselor in hospice.  In addition, I provide culturally competent therapy when working with the LGBTQIA+ community and with Spanish-speaking clients.  I am committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all people.  

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I am an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Social Work Program at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and have taught graduate-level courses at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.