I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience working with individuals and couples in the state of Virginia. My most recent experience is in working with individuals with addiction and/or behavioral health issues. I have worked with people suffering with severe mental illness, such as bipolar and major depressive disorder and helped them to develop coping strategies. I have training and expertise in helping people who have a history of trauma. Particularly with identifying resources to reduce the intense feelings trauma can bring on. Many people who abuse substances suffer from trauma so it’s not unusual to treat both. I also have experience working at a college student counseling center earlier on in my career. Many young adults have problems with their relationships and parents and need help navigating the transition to adulthood. I believe this vast background prepares me to work with most issues that clients may present with. I would describe my style as friendly and heartwarming. Many of my former clients have found me to be funny and lighthearted. I believe the more at ease you are with your counselor the more you’ll feel comfortable to open up. I borrow from a motivational and strengths based strategy as well as using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness. Sometimes I will set goals for you to work on in between sessions. These goals will be things you identified during your session as possible steps that might help you move forward. Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I look forward to hearing from you.