What does “trauma-informed” mean in your practice?

Trauma-informed care guides my work. I understand that trauma affects how we view the world, relate to others, and see ourselves. My main goal is to help you feel safe, calm, and able to trust. Sometimes we might slow down, check in about what feels comfortable to share, or simply notice what’s happening right now. You set the pace, and there’s no rush to share or solve things quickly.

We work together to make sure our space feels safe and respectful. I’ll offer tools and guidance, but you decide what feels right and how we move forward.

Being trauma-informed means I pay attention to how your nervous system responds. I notice your tone, pace, and feelings. Pauses, side topics, and silence are always welcome. Whether we’re doing EMDR, talking, or just sitting together, I make room for all your experiences, not just what seems “therapeutic.”

Most importantly, healing happens in our relationship. I trust your innate capacity to heal; my role is to walk beside you with care, honesty, and curiosity.

How do EMDR sessions work, and who might benefit?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps people work through distressing memories, beliefs, and body sensations. It’s often used for trauma, but it can also help with anxiety, grief, fears, and other areas where talk therapy might not be enough. Beyond these, EMDR can contribute to tangible daily improvements such as sleeping better, feeling more at ease in crowds, or calming intrusive thoughts. By addressing the root causes of distress, EMDR paves the way for these everyday life wins, transforming curiosity into motivation for many clients.

We’ll begin by building tools to help your nervous system stay calm. Together, we’ll make a clear plan for what to work on, how to track progress, and what to do if things get tough. You’ll always know what to expect and have support throughout the process.

I completed my EMDR training at the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, which is approved by EMDRIA. I am trained in EMDR and regularly attend consultations as I work toward certification.

EMDR may help if you’ve tried other therapies and still feel stuck, or if you’re carrying memories or patterns that feel overwhelming, confusing, or hard to talk about. We’ll discuss together whether this approach is right for you, always putting your readiness first.

What is an EMDR Intensive?

An EMDR intensive is a longer, focused session, usually about three hours, that helps you work through a specific memory, pattern, or theme without the usual stop-and-start of weekly therapy. This gives us time for deeper work at a steady, supported pace.

What is a consultation call?

A consultation call is a simple, low-pressure way to start. It’s not therapy; it’s just a chance for us to meet, ask questions, and see if working together feels like a good fit.

During these 15 minutes, I’ll ask a little about what’s been feeling heavy or overwhelming for you. You can share as much or as little as you want. I’ll also explain how I work and go over basics like scheduling, privacy, and fees, so you know what to expect. We can schedule a full session if you’re ready, but if you need time to think it over, that’s completely fine. There’s no pressure to decide right away. I might ask, “What feels overwhelming lately?” You don’t need to have everything figured out. This call is a starting point.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Yes, I offer appointments most evenings and on Sundays. If you don’t see a time that works on my calendar, just click “Book Now” or reach out. We can usually find something that fits.

What’s your background and training?

I have a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University, a CACREP-accredited program focused on strong clinical skills and real-world care. While there, I took electives in religious trauma and grief and loss, since these are common themes in people’s stories and deserve thoughtful support.

Before grad school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in family studies and went straight into direct care. Since 2015, I’ve worked in different settings, mostly in community mental health, supporting people through complex challenges.

While I continue to work at a community mental health agency, this experience greatly influences my approach as a therapist. It equips me to handle complex cases and to integrate this breadth of experience into our personalized sessions. My private practice is not designed to replace agency-based services but to complement them by offering care to those who might not qualify for traditional services, who have transitioned from agency support, or who seek a more personalized, slower-paced environment. By bridging these two roles, I bring unique insights that enhance the therapeutic journey, allowing me to offer clients the depth of community-driven insights within a calmer, more individualized setting.

My practice is built on the belief that therapy should feel accessible, human, and rooted in real connection.