About Me
Who am I?
“As a therapist, I have seen depression become depth and authenticity. I have seen anger become power and clarity. I have seen vengeance become a hunger for justice, genuine love in public. I have seen ugliness become the divinest beauty. I have seen body fat become protection and self-love. I have seen addictions to cocaine become the ability to rise above the worst oppression. I have seen fear become true vulnerability and heart-openness. I have seen sadness become deep joy. Friends, don’t be fooled by what you see as your problems, inside of them may be the seed of what you’ve been looking for, even spirit or God.” — David Bedrick
First, I’ll say this: I honor the courage it takes to go to therapy. I know that it often starts because you’re experiencing profound pain. It’s a strength to be vulnerable and to look at ourselves directly and intentionally, especially in the midst of hardships.
Originally from Asheville, I earned my bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and majored in Fine Art, with minors in Psychology and Spanish in 2007. I completed graduate school for a master’s in Art Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2010, and returned home in 2014. Prior to starting my private practice, I’ve worked as a therapist in psychiatric emergency departments and hospital settings, outpatient clinics, and at a residential substance abuse rehabilitation center. In addition to professional counseling, I’ve also worked as a licensed massage therapist. While keeping my counseling and massage therapy practices separate, I’ve come to understand how the mind, body, and spirit are so deeply linked.
In 2022, I became licensed as a clinical supervisor for mental health counselors and art therapists. I am thrilled to add this to my private practice offerings, and to share what I’ve learned over the years with provisionally licensed therapists. I strongly believe that, “if you really want to learn something, teach it.” I’m often enriched by my work with clients via their insights and self-discoveries, and similarly, I am humbled by what a privilege it is to learn from my supervisees in witnessing their work.
In my free time I enjoy being in the mountains of Western North Carolina with my family. I love creating and learning new things with my son and partner. We have two golden retrievers named Cloud and Charlie who bring me tons of joy.
Qualifications and Trainings:
North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, License #S11209
Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Certification #13-025
Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor, Inactive, License #PC007272
Licensed Massage and Body Work Therapist, License # 15317
Second Degree Reiki Certified
Trauma-Informed Sanctuary Model Care
EMDR trained, 2023
Enneagram Level 1 & Level 2 Certification in the Embodiment Tradition at The Enneagram School of Awakening, and in process with “Exploring the Nine Journeys to Liberation” Enneagram Advanced Training with Dr. Lissa Friedman
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) – Basic Trauma Training
Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT) Certification from The Center for Prolonged Grief at Colombia University (formerly Complicated Grief Treatment, or CGT at The Center for Complicated Grief Treatment)