About

Engage and Collaborate

Forming relationships and helping people has been a passion of mine since childhood. I have always felt such gratitude when someone trusts and confides in me. It is this honor that has guided me to the field of psychotherapy. It is more than something I do, it is who I am. Being of service to people by holding sacred space and assisting them on their personal, emotional journey is fulfilling and humbling.

Therapy

Combining Effective Methodologies With Personal Experiences

The connection or “goodness of fit” between therapist and client is central to therapy. First, and foremost, it is a relationship. This alliance is both a collaborative and interactive experience. While I use several therapeutic frameworks and methodologies, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Informed, and Mindfulness, my approach is to always lead with compassionate curiosity.

I also use my life experiences to deepen the therapeutic process with my clients. Together, we look at the past to inform the present and work toward a brighter future.

Get To Know Me More

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 1999 and have specialized in providing therapy, counseling, and case management services to individuals at outpatient mental health day treatment programs. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University in 1998. In addition to my MSW, I completed a post-graduate program in 2004 at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) in New York City where I saw clients for individual psychotherapy.

After moving to South Carolina in 2005, I took some time off to be a stay-at-home mom and enjoy my kids. As a former dancer, I returned to my love of dance and fitness in 2009 to teach Zumba and a barre class called BalletBody Sculpt until 2020.

I founded Focus3 Wellness, LLC in 2015. Shortly after forming the company, I used my experience as a Therapist, Group Fitness Instructor, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist from ACE (American Council on Exercise) to create and provide an educational support group called Nutritional Navigation. This group, and the curriculum I developed, focused on understanding the health benefits of a whole foods, nutrient-dense approach to eating, and learning how to decrease or avoid chronic inflammation, one of the underlying causes of disease and illness.  Chronic inflammation, now coined “inflammaging” by some practitioners in the Functional Medical community, is related to many common illnesses such as allergies, asthma, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. 

In 2018, the direction of Focus3 Wellness transitioned to include and focus on psychotherapy while still incorporating education on nutrition and chronic inflammation and their impact on mental health and overall well-being.

Furthering my education is crucial to my role as a therapist. It is a fundamental aspect of being a skilled clinician and an ongoing endeavor that I find exciting and rewarding. This includes post-graduate training in Polyvagal Informed Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Compassionate Inquiry, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Couples Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Nutritional Psychiatry among others. 

me at red mountain

To a Healthier and Empowered You

I will listen and work with you to help you be the best version of yourself.  Partnering together, we can address your:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship and Attachment Issues
  • Work-Life Management Concerns
  • Parenting Stressors
  • Life Transitions
  • Self-Development and Emotional Regulation
  • Young Adult Pressures

In addition, my practice integrates nutritional education focused on gut-brain axis, mindfulness eating, healthy food choices, and body image issues.

Feel free to reach out

Connect With Me Today