I am a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in trauma and trauma-related conditions (e.g., posttraumatic stress, substance use, disordered eating).  I am passionate about treating those whose trauma-related symptoms are preventing them from living the lives they want to live. My approach to therapy is to help guide and empower individuals to face their traumas by balancing a supportive, patient-centered approach while at the same time fostering resilience through knowledge and supportive challenging. I strive to authentically “show up” to therapy sessions by practicing honesty and committing to the treatment at hand, which I also expect from the patients with whom I work.  I am mindful of finding ways to incorporate joy and humor into therapy when appropriate. 

I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I received training in evidence-based treatments for a broad range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  I then completed my clinical internship at VA Puget Sound in Seattle, WA, where I further specialized in trauma-focused treatments, substance use interventions to support harm reduction and abstinence goals, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for PTSD in Boston, MA, where I continued to hone my expertise in evidence-based treatments for PTSD and co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance use disorder, eating disorders).  Trauma-focused treatments I specialize in include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Written Exposure Therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy, among others.  I think addressing one’s trauma in therapy is one of the bravest things a person can do and I am always honored to be a part of someone’s journey towards resilience. 

In addition to my research and clinical work, other passions of mine include surfing, rock climbing, yoga, hanging out with my family, playing board games with friends, and watching trash reality television!