A little about me

 

My approach to healing and wellness

My approach to healing is heart-centered, relational, and somatic at its core. I use advanced trauma treatment modalities that integrate both relational and body-based approaches to support meaningful, lasting change.

 

I specialize in working with complex trauma, including relational, developmental, and attachment trauma, as well as shock trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and chronic illness. My work is attachment focused and nervous system informed, supporting healing that goes beyond insight alone.

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I am not a “quick fix” or "coping skills" therapist. My work is depth and insight oriented, grounded in the belief that lasting transformation happens when the heart and nervous system are met with care, patience, and attunement.

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Who I work best with

You may be a good fit for my practice if you:

• Have experienced relational, developmental, attachment, or shock trauma

• Live with anxiety, chronic stress, or the long term effects of trauma

• Feel disconnected from your body, emotions, or sense of safety

• Notice repeating patterns or disconnection in relationships you want to better understand and shift

• Are a therapist or helping professional seeking your own trauma healing

• Are parenting while navigating trauma or anxiety

• Are navigating chronic illness or significant life stressors

• Are adjusting to life transitions or challenging life experiences

• Are open to a relational, body-based, depth-oriented approach to therapy

 

This work often resonates with people who are curious, reflective, and open to moving at a pace that supports their nervous system rather than pushing for quick change.

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A brief history...

I have been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2001. I earned my Master of Social Work in Clinical Mental Health from West Virginia University, along with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Sociology.

 

I am a Trauma Specialist, certified as a NARM® Master Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner® (SEP). For more than 20 years, my work has focused primarily on trauma therapy and the treatment of anxiety, stress-related conditions, and the long-term effects of chronic stress and illness.

 

I have been in private practice since 2010, offering integrative psychotherapy to adults, with a particular focus on relational and somatic approaches to healing.

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Specialized training

I have advanced, specialized training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) and Somatic Experiencing® (SE™). These models are specifically designed to address complex, developmental, relational, and shock trauma, and allow for an integrated top-down and bottom-up approach (including mind and body) that many traditional therapies do not offer.  I am passionate about bringing these trauma models to West Virginia and hope to see continued growth in access to relational and somatic trauma therapies in our region.

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Why these approaches?

My interest in trauma healing and post-traumatic growth has been shaped by both the clients I have worked with over the years and my own lived experience with trauma and chronic illness.

 

I regularly pursue ongoing education and advanced training, particularly in approaches that address attachment, developmental trauma, and nervous system regulation. In my clinical experience, NARM® and SE™ have proven to be deeply effective and well-aligned with my approach to healing, supporting profound growth, integration, and long-term change.  I also integrate approaches from IFS, psychodynamic, mindfulness and other depth oriented models.  

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Additional training

I have received training in SAFE EMDR (Somatic Attachment-Focused EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as many other models.  While I do not currently provide EMDR treatment, I am happy to offer referrals to trusted providers who practice EMDR or IFS specifically if those approaches feel like a better fit.​

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