I strive to create a space where clients feel accepted and understood, no matter their thoughts, feelings, or experiences. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment.

I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable to talk about whatever they need to. I focus on the needs of each client. I am honest and compassionate, and at times I use humor. I am very authentic and focus on what’s best for each client.

One of my favorite quotes is: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." To me, life is a journey. There will be many bumps, bruises, and obstacles along the way. That's okay. It's how you overcome those hurdles that count. Some need more assistance than others on this journey, and that's okay too. My approach is to promote healing and personal growth and development along this journey called life. I do not claim to have all of the answers. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives. My role is to assist you with getting out of your own way and discovering the path that you want to follow.

My goal is to help you restore resilience. You may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges and discouraged by others who just “don’t get it.” Maybe you are in a rollercoaster of emotions or feel stuck like you’re going around the same mountain over and over again. I’m here to facilitate your healing journey and provide you the most appropriate treatment in your time of need. Don’t suffer in silence because you deserve to be heard. I also provide support for more complex and intensive care for clients seeking to manage their uutism, learning and mood disorders. My insights have illuminated pathways for individuals to thrive and realize their fullest potential. Providing more than a place to talk, we will be a team to plan and take action to be where you want to be! I bring a straightforward approach with a nonjudgmental and compassionate style with the goal to create motivation and belief in oneself. I understand the sensitivity of the topics we discuss and the importance of creating a supportive environment. In therapy, I will be an active listener and help you identify areas that need to be rebalanced and together, we will formulate solutions. Yes, you read that right because I don't just listen to your problems. I provide you effective, practical, and valuable tools to apply outside of therapy. It’s important to me that I build a strong and effective therapeutic alliance with you to facilitate client empowerment. Our approach is holistic to inform on how various factors in your life are impacting you. My hope for you is that each session with me leaves you feeling hopeful, equipped, and empowered! If this sounds like a good fit for you, then let’s connect!

Here at Acacia Counseling & Consultative Services, we realize that no two people are the same, and we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual. We love helping people understand the things that are holding them back with an in-depth approach. After recognizing underlying problems, clients can fully realize their strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things in a different, healthier way. Our practice specializes in helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. If you are trying to navigate these areas of life, we’re confident that we have the experience to help you rediscover what brings happiness to your life. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future. Through therapy, we can get you on track to leading a happier, more fulfilling life by equipping you with the tools you need to more efficiently and confidently manage life’s challenges. It is never too late to start living the life you’ve always wanted.

I have several years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, self-confidence, trauma and addictions in a variety of settings. I have an eclectic approach to counseling, I draw from various modalities and techniques in order to provide the best support for my client. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive and accepting environment in which we can explore challenges, gain insight and facilitate positive personal change and growth.

My communication style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe in creating a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and valued. I will actively listen to your story, offer feedback and insights, and empower you to find your path to healing and growth.

Being a therapist means creating a safe space for individuals to reveal their true selves, leading to healing and growth. Life can be beautiful, and it can be difficult. Therapy provides an opportunity to speak and share our deepest thoughts, saddest moments, and accomplishments so that we might be unburdened and successful in our goals. It is an honor to join with clients for the achievement of their goals, and I value my work as a clinician I have several years of experience providing mental health services, working with assessments, community mental health counseling, and crisis interventions. My experience varies, and it includes services with children and adults. My current office is setup to provide play therapy, group counseling, and traditional talk therapy. I will partner with you to establish goals that are specifically built for your needs, pulling together various theories, strategies, and techniques to assist individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulty in relationships, and other concerns. I am currently accepting new clients and I look forward to hearing from you!

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! TELEHEALTH and INDIVIDUAL Therapy AVAILABLE!! Since 1994, my systemic training has enabled me to specialize in treating issues such as mood disorders (depression), anxiety, grief & loss, divorce separation, relationship, stage of life, motivation and family of origin issues. Psychotherapy is meant to address the roots of mental and emotional struggle. We will focus on the holistic aspect of your life to equip you to make the effective change you desire. Together we can explore your strengths and challenges, discovering over time what motivates you and helps you thrive. I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. My Masters program had a family systemic emphasis, but also equipped me to effectively address the complex and interwoven issues that individuals face. I have over 20 years experience working with clients of all ages. It’s essential that we look at all the varied influences on life that impact thoughts and behavior. No one lives on an island and there are many influences that directly affect how we feel and what we do. We believe it is important to consider these influences during the counseling and treatment process.

Emotions are an important part of life, and help us to connect with others. Sometimes our experiences with intense emotions can take away from our ability to clearly communicate with each other or appreciate ourselves. Do you find it difficult to enjoy life in the moment? too focused on the past or worried about the future? Do you wish you could connect with your family or partner in a way that doesn't lead to conflict or slammed doors? Whether you are experiencing relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, anger, feelings of low self esteem or sex related concerns, your feelings do not have to control your life. We help clients move past barriers that keep them from being the best they can be, by helping them better understand themselves. We specialize in sex therapy, anxiety, LGBTQ+, mood disorders and interpersonal conflict. Clinical Supervision is available to LPC and LMFT Residents completing licensure requirements. Through our work together you will be empowered to make the changes needed to live a more satisfying, authentic and fulfilling life. You do not have to navigate the path of healing alone. Together we can help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy!

In my practice I use a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques; visual guided imagery, Imago intentional dialogue and exercises, Voice Dialogue, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), EMDR, and stress reduction techniques. I provide a safe, comfortable, compassionate, and fun environment.

Many people seek guidance from a therapist because they feel overwhelmed by emotional distress, or they believe they have lost an aspect of control within their life. In a safe and non-judgmental space, I work closely with my clients in order to help them rediscover empowerment, meaning, and direction in their lives. I believe a strong relationship with your therapist is essential for successful treatment. By exploring the strength of the relationship we create together, it will help you to evaluate other important relationships in your life. While this work in therapy can be challenging, this work can help elevate your mood, relieve your anxiety, and contribute to a personal sense of fulfillment. While I offer psychotherapy services to people who are experiencing a wide range of issues, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, chronic shame, trauma, and LGBTQ+ concerns. Please feel free to be in touch with me about how I might be of help to you, and so that we can schedule an initial consultation session together. My office is located in Dupont Circle.