LCSWA
she/her/hers

Individuals, Couples, Polycules/relationships with more than two people 15+ Virtually or in Asheville or Hendersonville

In-Network With:

• Amerihealth Medicaid

• Aetna

• BCBS

• Healthy Blue Medicaid

• Medcost

• UHC Community Medicaid

• Wellcare Medicaid

• VAYA

• Ambetter

“You do not have to be good. 
You do not have to walk on your knees 
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. 
You only have to let the soft animal of your body 
love what it loves.” 
–Mary Oliver, “Wild Geese” 

  You might have genuine questions or concerns about how therapy could help during such an unconventional time, both globally and in our local community. I have shared similar concerns in an ever-evolving landscape that threatens my clients’ wellbeing in unique and sinister ways. These violent changes have made way for radical modes of healing that might not always play by the rules. Maybe we can create new methods and challenge the status quo, together. 

  My designation as a clinical social worker helps me to emphasize the impact of systems on our mental health. While acknowledging a lot of this pain only requires a witness, not a solution— I also like to explore the methods we can use to move throughout the systems we inhabit more fluidly. I know that working through complex and oppressive systems can feel paralyzing. Instead of trying to navigate in the dark, we can make these systems seem less distorted and scary by holding a light up to them. Furthermore, I know there are creative ways in which we can use what we know so that we can live the life we deserve to live. I really enjoy assisting my clients in dismantling some of the frameworks that they have been socialized into without their permission: like toxic productivity, a rigid version of what health and healing means, or binary worldviews & expectations. Often, we reflexively turn inward and intellectualize our emotions as a way of processing them, and while that is a strong method, it’s not the only way. 

Some modalities and approaches I draw from in therapy are existentialism, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), modified forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic processing (including Polyvagal theory), Attachment theory, and and Harm Reduction. 

When working with adolescents, I like to emphasize youth-led adventures. I have the most successful relationships with teens who are willing to attend therapy without too much persuasion, and caregivers who allow their teens to have more autonomy regarding what they choose to discuss in therapy. This can be a powerful albeit challenging exercise in relinquishing some control and replacing it with curiosity, concern, and compassion. Similar to my adult clients, my adolescent clients deserve a safe and confidential space where they can take ownership of growth– one that does not feel invaded. This does not include certain risk factors, which are always going to be discussed with caregivers. 

In my work with couples, I stress an Emotionally Focused (EFT) model with special attention to Attachment theory, Gottman’s principles, individual wellbeing/identity, and a strong insistence on building the skill of “dual awareness” or being able to focus on our initial trigger reflexes and the broader goals of repair at the same time. 

Therapists: they’re just like you!! In my time off of work, I really enjoy moving my body, reading, catching live music (any other metal heads?), spending time outside, crafting, and chatting with my support system.