I am a clinical psychologist with seven years of experience working with a diverse group of people on a broad range of issues, including depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, coping with chronic illness, and insomnia. I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in behavioral medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed my internship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where I worked primarily with organ transplant patients. Following my internship, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Durham VA, where I trained in the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic.

As a therapist, I strive to be present and authentic. I use evidence-based therapies, which are therapies that have been shown to improve symptoms in research studies. However, I also listen to each client and tailor treatment to their individual preferences and needs. I have trained in several types of therapy, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Each of these therapies differs in its theory on why people struggle and the “tools” it offers to improve well-being. However, all of these therapies rely on a strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client.

I am especially interested in two treatments: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). I am interested in ACT because it has a strong evidence base and is flexible. In other words, it has been shown to effectively treat a wide range of mental health issues, while accommodating the style of the therapist and the priorities of the client. At the core of ACT is learning to manage difficult thoughts and emotions in pursuit of what matters to you. I am interested in CBT-I because it is effective and quickly achieves results. CBT-I requires dedication from clients, but it is the #1 treatment for insomnia disorder and can treat decades of insomnia within as little as a few weeks.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, making things I should probably just buy (e.g., kombucha, block prints, pottery), and going on walks.