Hello. I am a licensed clinical social worker and the founder and director of Path to Peace Psychotherapy LLC. For the ​past 20 years, I've worked as a psychotherapist in a private practice setting. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from a diversity of clients over the years. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as developmental and attachment trauma. Adoption is a sub specialty of mine as well as a great interest.

 

I treat teens and adults suffering from worry, pain and fear often because of early traumatic experiences, losses and/or complicated grief. I focus initially on developing a trusting relationship while teaching coping strategies to clients better manage difficult emotions. My particular approach is collaborative with a focus of building on client's core strengths, inner resources including self compassion. Honesty and warmth are essential in working effectively with clients. Teens in particular know when someone is not being authentic. I take a more active approach with adults, meeting them where they are and helping them feel safe to move forward to heal.

 

I use a variety of modalities that are somatic based including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, Ego State Therapy or IFS, and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). These modalities ultimately enable clients to​ move beyond triggering situations or to feel completely neutral to what was once very disturbing to them.  Additional modalities integrated into my therapy practice include sand-tray play and mindfulness.. In our therapeutic relationship my approach is relational. I believe this is essential in helping all clients feel safe, empowered and hopeful about their future. 

 

From the outset, I meet you where you are while offering an abundance of encouragement, without being pushy. I use humor when possible, balancing the seriousness of your pain and hurt with compassion.

 

I completed the EMDR Therapy training over 20 years ago. I am certified in EMDR Therapy and have extensive training and practice in Ego State Therapy (working with dissociated emotional parts). 

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I have been married for over twenty years and have two daughters.  I spend my free time with family and friends.  My hobbies are hiking, walking in nature along with my dog, reading, watching TV series, dancing, yoga, river kayaking and traveling.

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In 1992, I earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Simmons College School of Social Work (now Simmons University).

 

I am licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia (telehealth only). My professional affiliations are with National Association of Social Workers (NASW), EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and Gender Exploratory Therapy Association (GETA).