Calm honest communication. Looking to listen because you drive the plan in our working together.

What sets me apart in my worldview perspective is my diverse experience across different populations. I've worked extensively with older adults in aging services, witnessing firsthand the challenges of caregiver burnout and the complexities it entails. Additionally, my time in a correctional facility allowed me to engage with young adults facing issues such as suicidal ideation, homelessness, domestic violence, and complex trauma. Drawing from my military background as an active duty member and now as a military spouse, I bring a unique understanding of the military population. As a contractor, I focused on domestic abuse cases and prevention within military communities. This breadth of experience informs my approach to therapy, allowing me to tailor my support to each individual's specific needs. My biggest strengths lie in my ability to blend humor, compassion, and a down-to-earth, non-judgmental approach. Plus, I'm not afraid to drop a well-placed F-bomb when the situation calls for it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

If you’ve been through something hard—like trauma, loss, or a stressful life event—you might feel stuck, sad, anxious, or unsure of what to do next. You are not alone. I’m here to help. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, and I’ve been helping people through tough times for almost 10 years. I work with adults who are dealing with posttraumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health challenges. I use a therapy called cognitive processing therapy (CPT). It’s a type of talk therapy that helps you understand how trauma may have changed the way you think about yourself, other people, and the world. Sometimes, people blame themselves for what happened, or believe things like, “I’m not safe,” or “It was all my fault.” In therapy, we work together to find more helpful and true ways of thinking. My style as a therapist is kind, easy to talk to, and never judgmental. You can be yourself in our sessions. I believe that healing happens when you feel safe, respected, and understood. I will always meet you where you are and help you move at your own pace. You don’t need to have all the answers before starting therapy. You just need to be open to taking the first step. Whether you want short-term help or want to work on things more deeply, I’m here to support you. I offer both in-person and online sessions, depending on what works best for you. If you're ready to start healing or just want to learn more, I’d be glad to talk with you.

My primary treatment approach is cognitive-behavioral which is solution-focused and generally shorter-term, however, in reality, we all generally benefit from a variety of therapeutic strategies and i will often utilize complementary and eclectic techniques that enables a more personalized treatment approach and relies on best practices for your specific issues. You will find me to be an active and engaged therapist and we will work together in a team-oriented and collaborative style. I often recommend activities to practice between sessions, and these might include a journal, trying out new communication skills and problem-solving or coping techniques that we have practiced, brief reading assignments, some research, relaxation techniques, and a variety of other options. I believe humor is an important element in the therapeutic process, and to life in general, and I strive to create a relaxing and trusting environment with my clients. I am very happy to answer any questions you might have, and if I am unsure, I will do all that I can to help point you in the right direction. I consider it an honor to assist clients on their personal journey in therapy. Participating in therapy is an important step in reclaiming your happiness and satisfaction and I take me role in providing assistance on that journey seriously as I appreciate the time, cost, and emotional investment of this choice.

I work to foster an environment of open communication, where clients feel safe to express knowing they won't be judged or their concerns disregarded.