Who am I?
I am a native Atlantan and I love to shop for bargains, mostly at thrift stores. I have three cats and 1 dog. I own too many craft supplies, think in movie quotes, and believe in radical authenticity. I have included this very clearly not professionally taken photo there because I love it. You can scroll down for information on my clinical training or check out my thoughts on my favorite modalities by clicking "My Specialties" below. Have a fabulous day!
I have been working with people clinically since 2017. I have received training in different types of therapy, including but not limited to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have a particular interest in trauma and dissociation, helping clients to build lives worth living in the face of difficult symptoms. I became C-DBT certified in 2022 after completing all requirements. I was awarded the ISSTD Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation in March of 2024 for having completed over 100 hours of training courses with The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
Professional Development
Academic training
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services from Clayton State University before receiving my Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from the University of Georgia in 2018. I completed two graduate internships, the first, at the Dekalb County Solicitor General's office in the Victim Witness Advocates Office. My clinical practicum was completed at Skyland Trail, a nationally recognized Mental Health Treatment Facility, where I was Clinical Intern on the DBT track.
Lived Experience
I am dedicated personally and professionally to decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness, expand access to needed mental health services, and patient self-advocacy. I completed my Certified Peer Specialist Training in December of 2016.
While I never worked as a CPS, completing my training while in graduate school, I believe that there is not only room for but also a NEED for more clinicians to be open about their own lived mental health experiences. I incorporate this belief into my practice.
Clinical experience
In August of 2021 I completed all requirements for full licensure and became a LCSW in the state of Georgia.
I made the leap to full-time private practice in July of 2022, leaving my role of groups counselor/care coordinator at Skyland Trail, a role I started in June of 2019, teaching psychoeducational groups on topics such as building Self-Esteem, identifying and incorporating one values into their every day lives, and anxiety management strategies to clients in intensive services.
