Hi there! I’ve put this page together to offer a little snapshot of the ever-evolving journey that has led me to become the therapist I am today. I know how hard it is to get a sense of whether or not a therapist is a good fit before meeting, so I hope this little bit about me can help! I’m not going to be the best fit for every person, and if that’s true for you, please know that I’m always happy to offer referrals for other wonderful providers!
Education and Professional Experience
I graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2014 with my MS in Clinical Counseling and Health Psychology and worked for several years as an eating disorder therapist and supervisor across higher levels of care before transitioning to private practice in 2018. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Prior to starting my counseling career, I also taught yoga for 10+ years and received extensive training in trauma-informed yoga and yoga for eating disorders and body image.
Specialties
I have since continued to work with eating disorders (and really, any issues relating to food and body image) as one of my primary specialties. This includes my individual warriors as well as caregivers and significant others who want to better understand eating disorders and how to support their loved ones.
Anxiety disorders, trauma, self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship issues are also at the top of my list for areas of expertise.
I’ve certainly had clients that might not identify with any of the categories named above and have been a great fit. I’m a fan of listening to our guts so if it feels right, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Therapeutic Approach
Initially trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I am well versed in cognitive interventions and believe in the power of being able to diffuse thoughts and shift perspective. For some of us, this can be enough to feel better, but for others, we need to go a bit deeper (beneath the thoughts, and into the body).
I truly believe that our bodies hold the most valuable information needed for healing. The prefrontal cortex goes offline during times of stress, but the body remembers. Our bodies carry stories from our past that can sometimes stay stuck in the form of symptoms (such as constricting/restricting, racing, disconnection, and hypervigilance) unless otherwise attended to and released. Somatic work feels most rewarding to practice as a clinician as I get to help clients heal wounds directly in the nervous system (rather than just putting a band aid on the surface).
I love professional development and I’m always eager to learn about all of the various therapy techniques out there. I also realize, however, that it can be enough to just witness, love, and listen (and I’m so here for that too!).
Personal Life
I’m an experienced pet mom and a new little human mom. My daughter, Leia, is in her toddler era and teaches me every day (little does she know) about love, purpose, patience, presence, and seeing the world again with a beginner’s mind. I have two dogs, Ninja (a pug) and Thunder (a beagle mix), and one cat (Tess). My fur babies love to visit and sleep in the background of my virtual therapy sessions, so if you work with me, you will meet them!
I moved to Philly in 2011 for grad school where I met my husband and built a life here. I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland riding horses and swimming in the bay (a very different scene than Philly). While these hobbies are retired, I still love the outdoors and have picked up golf in recent years to get my outdoor fix! I also like to spend my free time hanging with family and friends, going out to eat, exploring the world with my daughter, and moving my body.
Like many other professionals in this field, my work as a therapist is informed by my own recovery from an eating disorder and trauma. I know how tough life can be, but I also know that healing is possible. I wouldn’t be here doing what I do if I didn’t believe that.
