My approach and training
In my work as a therapist, and my walk-through humanity, I am rooted in a deep belief that we are all part of multi-faceted systems, both within ourselves and the world in which we live. I wholeheartedly believe in a systemic approach to therapy; especially within my individual client work. With that, I am also grounded in attachment theory and working to develop secure attachments in our relationships.
I like to think of our lives as trees. We come into the world as a small sapling, not quite rooted nor are we growing branches. We depend on our earliest caregivers to plant us in a safe, secure and stimulating environment so that our roots can grow deep into the soil, connect with other roots and grow tall from the earth into a vibrant tree filled with dynamic, diverse and strong branches. There were trees before us, and will be trees after us….generational legacy.
Our branches become the metaphor of our lives; childhood experiences, earliest friends, education, emerging adulthood, career choices, hobbies, play, romantic relationships, birth of children, friends and on and on in many distinct ways for each individual. The branches are multi-faceted parts of ourselves that embrace our own internal system and the various external systems where we live our lives .
During our work together, we will utilize a therapeutic technique called “parts work,” which allows us to get to know the different parts of our personality. We all have hurt parts, angry parts, little child parts and badass cranky teen parts. In our daily lives, we already use parts language….think of a time you said, “well, part of me wants to go to the movies, and the other part doesn’t”. Our parts are wonderful indicators of why things are happening in our lives, as they have so much wisdom to share. We will take the time to listen to their stories, honor their experiences and discover what they need.
During our earliest life moments, our caregivers may have failed to help us form a solid root structure which resulted in attachment injuries, traumatic experiences and parts of ourselves having unfulfilled needs. We will work together to develop and enhance secure attachments within ourselves and interpersonal relationships through healing those experiences and unmet needs. Our work together will be rooted in developing and enhancing secure attachments through EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapy.
Imagine a strong, healthy root structure that supports a growing, vibrant tree filled with dynamic branches and diverse leaves. Even if we must work together to rebuild a root structure and allow the tree to regrow new branches, your life can reach all the possibility and potential you can envision.
Qualifications and Training
Rollins College (2017), M.A. – Mental Health Counseling and Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Kids House of Seminole (2016-2017) clinical internship working with kids and their families to heal traumatic experiences and attachment injuries with concentration on dissociation
Sand Tray Level I (2016) – Institute of Playful Healing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Certified
Adoption Competency Training – October 2017
I continually participate in workshops and training to enhance my knowledge and increase clinical awareness
CFAMFT (Central Florida Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)- 2021 President Elect
CFAMFT – October 2019 -“Let’s Talk About Dissociation” with Marie Celeste, LMFT
Greater Orlando EMDR Study Group – November 2019 – “Dissociation as a SuperPower”
GOEMDRIA – March 2020 – Presented on Dissociation at Annual Latest and Greatest Event
Speaking Engagements and Awards
An Infinite Mind – January 2015 – “The Gifts of Dissociation”
An Infinite Mind – February 2017 – “Let’s Talk About Shame”
An Infinite Mind – February 2018 – “Interconnected Healing”
Women’s Council of Central Florida – September 2015 – Honored as a scholarship winner for emerging leaders
Central Florida Association of Marriage and Family Therapists – December 2016 – “Why Family Therapy” scholarship award