As the practice director for Albany Counseling Services, I believe that healthy, happy, well supported staff, when trained in the latest evidence-based practices, are key to providing the highest quality mental health and wellness services available. Effective, client-centered results flow naturally by putting the well-being of our staff front and center.

I am also a clinician with 30 years’ experience and training in the assessment and treatment of trauma. I have a long track record of partnering with community organizations to provide innovative, experiential therapies to children and adolescents affected by trauma and attachment related issues. These approaches have included nature-based and equine-assisted work, sand-tray and play therapies, music, yoga, dance and other forms of movement. I created and have managed a trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy program, The Osage Corral, for 10 years.

I am currently engaged in an initiative of Albany Counseling Services called The Map Forward: Neuroscience for Hopeful Futures based on the work of The Child Trauma Academy, Dr. Bruce Perry and the Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). This project, in partnership with Athens County Children Services, is bringing the assessment metric known as the Brain Map to some of the neediest children in our area. Look soon on this website for more information about this exciting new project.

I am available to speak to prospective clients, current clients and community groups at any time by calling 740-698-0601 Ext. 102.

I am a clinician with 35 years experience and extensive training in the developmental tasks and challenges of the pre-teen, teen, young adult and their families, including the complications that may be associated with trauma. I have cultivated a therapeutic style that encourages healthy growth and development.  Besides being a licensed independent mental health professional, I have a chemical dependency counselor license.

My clinical practice is dedicated to helping clients navigate the challenges of their lives. Through clear communication, the creation of a safe space and pragmatic professionalism, I create a relationship of trust with clients by mentoring them on structure and boundaries.

I believe in a collaborative approach to counseling and I am passionate about integrating my knowledge of community resources to help develop and activate strong networks of support around my client’s goals and building resiliency.

I offer my clients proven, trauma-informed, skills-based, strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. These skills will continue to sustain them long after the therapeutic relationship has ended.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, I can be reached at 740-698-0601.

I am the only Advanced Certified Structural Family Therapist in the area. I am committed to helping families break the cycle of trauma and other mental health challenges by helping them learn new ways to understand and relate to one another; creating a powerful, positive shift for everyone.

Utilizing systems theory, my approach focuses on joining in and working within the family system rather than with the individual. I provide parents with new insights for better understanding what motivates their child’s behaviors as well as tools and strategies for supporting and strengthening their family. I believe that positive change only happens when the entire family is committed to making it happen.

I am passionate about the impact systems-work can also have in working with couples and organizations. I currently work with couples in session and am interested in participating in or facilitating workshops, speaking engagements, webinars and podcasts for community groups or organizations.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with me or explore how I might work with your group or organization, please use the contact form on our home page or call Albany Counseling Services at 740-698-0601.