Welcome to my website! I am excited to announce that I have partnered with Dr. Christine Hook & Dr. Ben Rigby, two highly respected and talented child psychologists, to form a new practice group called Potentials: Center for Assessment and Psychotherapy. Please visit the Potentials Website for the most current information and to learn about my esteemed partners. The website is: www.Potentialsnc.com.
I am glad you have an interest in learning more about my practice. I am a Psychotherapist/Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose practice includes providing therapy to a variety of clients, including women, men, children, couples, and families. Additionally, I offer clinical supervision for other mental health professionals, as well as consultative services. I have enjoyed the opportunity to practice professionally in Wilmington, North Carolina since 1996.
Prior to moving to Wilmington, I earned an MSW degree from East Carolina University. At ECU, I had the opportunity to train in the Department of Child Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. I was fortunate to receive training from a number of talented psychiatrists and therapists in the areas of child development, assessment, and treatment. During this period I was trained to provide evidence based treatment to children and families. Prior to earning my MSW, I worked in human service positions developing an interest in adoption and family therapy. I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from North Carolina State University in 1987, preceeded by an Associates Degree from Peace College in 1985.
It is the goal of my therapy practice to create a safe environment, grounded in trust, where my clients can explore & develop their goals and dreams, gain support, find guidance, and resolve current or past distress. Depending on the person’s age, the therapeutic approach may vary. A child’s therapy may involve play therapy sessions, consultation and coaching for the child’s parents or caregivers, and family therapy. For adults, individual therapy is generally chosen; however, therapy may involve couples’ sessions when there are specific concerns regarding relationship issues. My primary therapeutic orientations are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
Although my practice involves a diverse group of clients who present with a wide array of concerns, among my work with children, I have a particular interest and specialized training in working with children who have been affected by trauma. Given the unique nature of the needs these children bring with them to therapy, I offer Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is based on principles of cognitive behavior therapy and trauma treatment, and is regarded as the "Gold Standard" of care for children who have been traumatized. Some reasons people come to see me for therapy include the following:
*Improve communication & coping skills
*Balance work & family roles
*Manage relationship issues
*Clarify personal & professional goals
*Treat childhood behavioral, social, & emotional problems
*Treat anxiety & depression
*Cope with life changes
*Deal with repercussions of trauma or loss
Recently, I became a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Within this organization I am a Child Specialist and serve as a child advocate in collaborative law/collaborative divorce cases. This keeps the focus on the best interest of the children and settles divorce matters outside of a courtroom.
In addition to therapy and being a child specialist, I have been providing clinical supervision for over ten years. I enjoy helping clinicians, including provisionally licensed therapists, build their skills, gain competence, and increase confidence. I have attended and passed the NASW-NC Clinical Supervision Certificate Training.
If you are curious as to whether I may be able to help, please feel free to call me. If I am not, it is likely that I will be able to connect you with someone who can.
Thank you for visiting my website!
