I draw from a range of therapy approaches to meet each client’s unique needs, especially:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy and skill-building
• Evidence-based trauma therapies, such as TF-CBT or EMDR
• Play-based interventions
• Attachment-informed therapies, like Theraplay® and Multimodal Attachment Therapy (M-MAT)

When I work with clients, I use my education, training, and professional experience to ensure I am providing the best care that I can. I also bring warmth, humor, compassion, respect, and an understanding of the realities of family life. Our relationship will be the most important part of therapy. I know it can be scary to come to your first therapy appointment, not knowing exactly what to expect. I’ll do all I can to make therapy a safe, confidential space where you can let your guard down and feel understood. While I’m very easy-going and casual, I’ll also structure our time together so that you can meet your goals.

With kids, I tend to use play as foundation, since that is how kids learn and communicate most comfortably. In the context of games, crafts, or imaginative play, we can process their struggles and weave in new skills. I often pull parents into session for attachment-based play or to talk together with the child about what is going on. I also like to meet with parents separately, so we can talk freely about your concerns and strategies that can help. As the mom of two kids myself, I know first-hand how challenging – but also how incredibly rewarding – parenting can be!

For teens, therapy should be a place you feel safe to talk freely about whatever is going on in your life. Some teens are ready to do that right away, but for others it takes time to build that trust. We’ll spend time getting to know each other and you can share at your own pace. Together, we’ll explore how what role past experiences might play in your thoughts and feelings today, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and find tools to better manage your emotions and relationships.

Favorite Therapy-Related Book: No Drama Discipline by Daniel J Siegel, MD, & Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

Favorite Quote: “Grief is love enduring”

On a Personal Note: I grew up in Vermont and lived in a few different states before settling down in Pennsylvania after graduate school.  I live in Carlisle with my husband, our two teenagers (eek! how are they teenagers already?!), and a very sweet rescue pup. In my free time you might find me reading, doing puzzles, working out, or laying by the pool. I am passionate about social justice, human rights, and giving back to the community. I serve on several committees, including the Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Committee. I am thrilled to provide services in the community that I call home!