My Approach
For some people, psychotherapy focuses on finding short-term solutions to specific issues or problem areas while for others it is a long-term commitment to personal growth and increased self-awareness. Whichever path you seek, I am here and qualified to help. Being trained in the Humanistic Psychology tradition, my core values include authenticity, providing clients with unconditional positive regard, and treating each individual with dignity and respect.
During therapy, we can discover insights and potentials that have been buried underneath years of unhealthy thinking styles, destructive habits and difficult life experiences. I assist clients in identifying irrational thought patterns and replacing these with more rational, reality-grounded ways of thinking, behaving, and being. My approach is client-centered, so each person is unique with an individualized plan of treatment co-created together in our sessions.
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Treatment Specialties
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Services Provided
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Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Psychology, City University of Hong Kong, 2017
Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), Guidance and Counseling, University of West Georgia, 2007
Master of Arts, (M.A.), Psychology, University of West Georgia, 2004
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology, The University of Georgia, 2003 -
Experience
With 17+ years experience specific to psychology and psychotherapy, I have worked in both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings since 2005. I have worked clinically with both adolescents and adults for psychotherapy and counseling, including clients with substance abuse issues and dual or multiple diagnoses.
Originally working in Georgia and North Carolina, life moved me abroad to Asia in 2013 for PhD studies. While living overseas, I was Clinical Director and Co-Founder of a private psychology group practice in Hong Kong. I have lectured in psychology part-time at City University of Hong Kong and at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I also provided workshops and presentations in a number of specialty areas, and have presented my academic research output & professional experience at international conferences in Hong Kong (China), Japan, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and Singapore. I have co-authored chapters in two books published by Springer: Creativity Under Duress in Education? (2019) and Creative and Collaborative Learning through Immersion (2021).
My areas of specialty are in maladaptive, compulsive behaviors and chemical overuse, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, multiculturalism, and trauma informed care. I work with teenagers and adults for both individual and couples therapy.
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Insurances
Blue Cross Blue Shield (excluding Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance and HMO plans)