My Approach

My strengths are in interpersonal, relational, spiritual, and existential work with a vast skill base around severe eating disorders, family dynamics, spiritual exploration, depression and anxiety, and women's issues. I take  very relational approach to my work, as I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to the healing process. My understanding of therapy is also heavily influenced by attachment theory and the work of Brene Brown. You can read more about these below. When it is helpful, I also use skills based cognitive behavioral approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

My clients have told me that I have a very nurturing and warm presence. I also take a more involved, direct approach to therapy. While a key part of therapy is listening to you, I also take active stance in helping you understand what barriers stand in the way of create the life that is meaningful to you.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Work with Parents and Families

I have extensive experience providing care for people struggling with body image, emotional eating and eating disorders. I worked as the Coordinator of Program Services at Carolina House in Durham, NC, and then as the first Clinical Director at Veritas Collaborative. In these roles, I supported adolescents and women in inpatient, residential and partial treatment level for over 6 years. When working with people struggling with eating disorders as an outpatient provider, I believe it is critical to coordinate care with nutritionists, medical doctors and families. Your needs can be assessed so that you understand your choices about the level of care,type of treatment and how to get the most support. For clients interested in working on body image & eating issues, I use a non diet, Health at Every Size® approach.

Having a child of any age with an eating disorder can be a frightening and stressful experience. I have a particular interest in supporting parents as they navigate treatment options, learn more about the impact of the disorder on the body, and learn how to embrace a non-diet, Health at Every Size® approach in their lives. Parents often need their own place to express their emotions and explore how to balance their needs with that of their child. Whether you are just beginning to suspect that your child has an eating disorder or you have been supporting your child with an eating disorder for many years, I provide a safe space for you to get the support you need. I do parental work both individually and with more than one parent, depending on the family’s needs.

Spirituality

Prior to my training as a psychotherapist, I worked in youth ministry in the Episcopal church. Through that experience, I found that many spiritual issues and matters of faith also have a significant emotional and psychological component, and vice versa. I sought training through the dual degree MSW/MDiv program at the University of North Carolina and Duke Divinity school, so that I could better understand how these two fields can be integrated. I enjoy working with ministers of all types and clients who are interested in talking about faith matters in their therapy. My goal is to help clients be able to recognize when their particular beliefs might be exacerbating their distress, as well as help them draw on their faith as a source for healing.