I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I am blessed to have an adult child who is a happily married, a hard working & positive contributor to society, plus 3 wonderful step-children. I value all people. I love helping people grow, change, and learn new tools to be happier and live their best lives. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health during my master’s program. I completed internships at the Tuscaloosa Department of Human Resources in the Child Protective Services Unit and at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center working in their MAPS program, training in mental health/PTSD and substance abuse treatment. I have been licensed and practicing for over 16 years. I helped children beginning at age 3, adolescents, young adults from age 18 transitioning into adulthood, thru ages up to geriatric clients dealing with end of life stressors. Areas of experience include parenting/co-parenting, divorce, family of origin/ relationship issues, intimacy, substance use recovery and other addictions, life stage transitions, academic issues, trauma and a variety of other mental wellness concerns. I build rapport quickly and am able to relate to clients with ease. I utilize Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy most often, to improve emotional distress and create more positive behavioral outcomes. It is very beneficial in managing stress related to irrational thought patterns, negative emotional reactions and poor behavioral outcomes. Clients learn tools to use in every day life, including: disputing irrational/negative self-talk, reframing thoughts, leaning how to use positive self-talk/affirmations, reality checking, thought stopping, critical thinking, and behavioral modification. I incorporate use of CBT, psychoanalysis, study skills education, Motivational Interviewing, Gottman relationship skills, journal writing and discussion, diagnosis education, networking and consulting with outside agencies, and other therapeutic tools needed to best address clients’ individual needs. Contact me when you are ready to make positive changes in your life or simply need someone to listen. I genuinely care, am well educated, and have the experience needed to provide you the better help you need. Take care of you too!