Healing, change, and strength.
I have long been inspired by the strength and resilience of individuals and families, and how these qualities contribute to their ability to heal and grow from nearly any experience. I have observed in my work that with a little extra support from a trained and competent therapist, these characteristics can be harnessed and expanded upon by clients.
My development as a Clinical Social Worker began when I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I next obtained my master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, with a focus on mental health and adults. After several more years in practice I began the PhD program at Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts. My doctoral education included a two-year intensive clinical fellowship providing psychodynamic therapy to adults and children under the close guidance of experienced practitioners who have been in the field of Clinical Social Work more than 40 years.
My coursework at Smith College included a focus on developmental issues across the lifespan and how they impact self-esteem, strength, and resilience. I am currently working on my research and dissertation and hope to graduate with my PhD in 2018. I continue to participate in seminars, workshops, and peer group discussions to further expand my understanding of developmental processes and to enhance my therapeutic skills.
My approach to working with you is individualized and focuses on your unique needs. However, research shows that therapy is more effective when grounded in theory, and so I integrate a variety of theories into my practice. Some of the theories from which I draw include psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, family systems theory, women’s studies, strengths-based theory, trauma theory, relational theory, intersubjectivity, and queer theory.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Colorado since 2012, and have been in private practice since that time as well. In addition to providing therapy to individuals, couples, and children, I provide clinical training and supervision to Social Work students and supervise masters level Social Work graduates towards licensure.
I currently hold two board positions with the Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW), that of Treasurer and Practice Standards Committee Chair. CSCSW is the sole organization that represents the interests of Clinical Social Workers in the state of Colorado. Additionally I have been a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Practice Standards Committee since 2012. This committee, along with the CSCSW practice standards committee, is responsible for developing standards of practice for Clinical Social Workers in the state of Colorado. I am also a member of the Clinical Social Work Association and the Council on Social Work Education.
I am happy to share more about how I work and my background, and encourage you to contact me to set up an initial consultation.