I am a Licensed Professional, Nationally Certified and EMDR certified Counselor passionate about and committed to supporting each person's journey of healing and change from trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, and life transitions. TREATMENT APPROACH I have over twenty five years of experience working in mental health in various settings. I integrate trauma focused therapy approaches such as EMDR and polyvagal theory and blend these with family systems, attachment theory, CBT, and DBT in a way that meets each person's unique needs. I work with individuals who desire to explore and engage their spiritual identity in their counseling. I strive to provide exceptional care to those desiring growth and transformation in order to live more fulfilling lives while managing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS Master’s degree in Counseling from Marymount University Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. National Certified Counselor EMDR Certified FAQ What should I expect from therapy? Therapy is a collaborative process. Your values, ideas, and motivation are vital for your healing process. We will work together on the goals you identify. I will offer guidance on how to achieve those goals. Your consistent commitment to the therapy process is essential to your success. What is EMDR? EMDR is an evidence based practice proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life events, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. (From https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/) What is needed for me to start? After you make the initial contact, we will have a conversation to determine if we are a good fit to work together. You will want to consider my experience and training in EMDR and other trauma informed therapy approaches as well as how comfortable you feel with me. If we are a good fit, we will schedule your first appointment. I will send you the intake documentation through my HIPAA compliant client portal and then we will get started! What is an out of network provider? Payment for each session is due at the time of service, and clients receive a receipt via email in the form of a Superbill. Clients may submit Superbills to their insurance provider to initiate a claim for reimbursement as outlined in your insurance plan. I encourage you to ask your health insurance provider about their out of network benefits and the process for filing an out of network claim. Do you offer video counseling appointments? Video counseling appointments are available. These appointments are offered through my secure and confidential platform, Simple Practice. Video sessions are a helpful option, especially when there are factors that limit a person's ability to come to in person sessions. In the event you want to use the video option, I would encourage you to make sure that you have privacy and minimize potential for distractions on your end to maximize the efficacy of therapy on this platform. I am of the opinion that in person sessions are most effective, but understand and am thankful that we have the video option. We can discuss the best option for you. Directions to the office Go North on University Drive in old town Fairfax. My office is located one light north of North Street in Fairfax. Turn right at the light onto Democracy Lane. Democracy Lane curves slightly to the left; pass the back of the Safeway and CVS. Make the first right once you enter the curve. The office is on the 2nd floor of building 10375, first door on the right at the top of the stairs. Other questions? Please feel free to email me with any questions. I strive to respond to each request within 48 hours or by the next business day. I understand that taking that first step to seek counseling can be difficult. I respect you for that and want to support you in that step. I will respond to you in that time frame even if I am not able to accept new clients. In that instance, I will provide you with recommendations for other therapists.