Services

Trauma Therapy

 

My past experience at two Child Advocacy Centers enabled me to develop and create mental health programs for trauma focused therapy.  I use evidence-based models of Trauma-Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in my treatment approach and recognize that a trauma focused therapy is rooted in understanding the connection between the trauma and the individual’s physiological, cognitive and emotional responses. TF-CBT is considered the “gold standard” of trauma treatment for children and teens.  I am Nationally Certified in TF-CBT and currently supervise newly trained professionals learning the model.  As a compliment to TF-CBT I find it essential to work therapeutically with the parents of children and teens who have experienced trauma to assist them in knowing how to best support their children through their journey to recovery. Trauma therapy is also beneficial for adults with a history of traumas in their childhood or adult life.  Oftentimes, I find great success with my adult clients using EMDR or Internal Family Systems Therapy models.  

Childhood Problematic Sexual Behavior

 

Possessing almost a decade of experience working with children with problematic sexual behavior (ages 5-12) I have found to have great success using the Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-School Age Children module (PSB-CBT-S) as a first approach when assisting my clients.   In addition to PSB-CBT-S, I incorporate trauma therapy if needed, to help support in the healing and growth with those affected.  Utilizing both of these therapeutic methods if necessary has resulted in great outcomes when used with my clients.  Despite the stigma and uncomfortable feelings parents often have related to their child’s sexual behavior problems it should be noted that childhood sexual behavior problems are rarely an indication of a sexual disorder.  In most instances, it is a manifestation of difficulties in the child’s life.  
Resolution is typically achieved through parent support, body and healthy boundary education, learning coping skills and the development of strategies of self-control.  
As a frequent speaker on the topic both locally and nationally, as well as an expert advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and The Department of Social Services, I bring an abundance of experience to a topic that is sensitive to my clients and their families.  My experience as a trainer to other therapists wanting to learn this discipline additionally helps me to further hone my skills resulting in utilizing the best practices to assist my clients with Childhood Problematic Sexual Behavior issues.  

Individual and Family Therapy For Adults, Teens and Children

 

As a therapist, I utilize multiple different therapeutic approaches when working with my clients.  Therapy is never a “one size fits all” discipline, I find it useful to engage in multiple therapeutic modules, depending upon my client’s needs, or their progress in therapy.  Successfully, I have incorporated components of: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Relational Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Communication difficulties and strained relationships within families are other areas of focus I specialize in.  Using Alternative for Families – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Family Therapy components in my practice, I have successfully achieved harmony and increased attunement between parents and their children, helping to further develop a mutually trusting, loving relationship that allows opportunities for healthy communication and parental influence.

Parenting

 

In both everyday parenting and in childhood or teen problematic behavior, I encourage the use of The Love and Logic Parenting Model.  This is my favorite and has been the most successful therapeutic model I find to use when assisting my clients in their role as parents.  Its core principle is the offering of choices to children and teens to increase problem solving and decision-making capabilities.  When a child or teen feels that they have choices, they are more apt to understand that by making a choice they have to accept the responsibility for their own behavior or outcome of that choice.  This technique helps build a supportive and trusting relationship between children and parents.  I love teaching my clients a skill set that allows for positive parenting; skills that include validation, balance and listening, as well as productive support.  In addition to The Love and Logic Parenting Model, I employ other methods that my clients find effective in helping to develop more successful parenting strategies, which in turn help to restore harmony with their children in their homes.  

Clinical Supervision

 

I am a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker possessing extensive experience working with children, teens, adults, and parents.  I am rostered with the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board as a Clinical Supervisor.  Currently, I am accepting new LCSWA licensees seeking clinical supervision.  I have experience in professional supervisory roles teaching, coaching, and overseeing Social Workers who provide clinical mental health services.  I am also experienced in Evidence Based Treatments including; TF-CBT, EMDR, IFS, and AF-CBT. As a mentor, I view Clinical Supervision as a tutorial process where concepts are honed and altered into a practical skill set.  My priority is to assist in the development of clinical knowledge by identifying learning gaps, developing individual strengths and promoting self-awareness to assist in use for professional growth.  I take great joy in facilitating the process of Clinical Supervision, all the while working to enhance and foster the process for those that I am assisting in their learning journey.