Given your extensive background what types of people (besides perinatal) do you typically see at Grace Street Counseling?

I have worked with a variety of diverse populations throughout my 12+ year career, but now other than specializing in perinatal and reproductive mental health, I work with young adults 20-45 years old who are going through some kind of life transition or a time of personal growth. These moments could look like preparing to leave the academic world and work full-time, a move away from family/friends, investigating how to have healthier personal relationships as roles evolve or shift, a change in career or life goals, or other work involving building self-esteem, overcoming anxiety or depression, achieving personal goals, and manifesting the vision you have for yourself.

Some therapeutic approaches I use in sessions include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

I believe that therapy goals and interventions work best when they are client driven and centered around the needs and experiences that each individual presents with.

I take time in the initial sessions to really get to know my clients both from an acute perspective; what is going on in this moment that brings them to therapy, and also a holistic perspective; how their concerns are impacting them on a physical, emotional, spiritual, and of course mental level. In our work together, I like to frequently check-in and ask questions about how my clients view their progress, what changes they have noticed, and the areas that still need attention. My role as a therapist is to provide the tools to enable you to feel more in control of your life and promote your overall wellness.

I think all of us go through times when things are changing and evolving. Times when expectations may not reflect reality. Through these moments on our journey we could use someone to help. My journey into motherhood was different than I expected. Although it was quite challenging at times, it ignited new passions and yielded a greater motivation to keep helping as many other’s as I can.

My life has been enriched by helping others, and after spending several years working for others in community agencies, using telehealth, and behind the scenes, I realized I could do the greatest good by having a place where we could promote firsthand the message of hope, kindness, and compassion.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with someone who may need help?

There is not one person who makes it through their entire life without help from someone else. It's not shameful to ask for help and what we do at Grace Street Counseling is just that; help real people find solutions to being their best self more consistently. We can't do it for you but we will certainly walk with you, until you're ready to do it on your own.