Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(She/Her, They/Them)

I help people who want to better understand themselves, including their personal identities, goals, and values; we are all wonderfully unique, but are often held back by shame, guilt, and what or who we’ve been taught we “should” be. I support individuals by overcoming blocking beliefs that limit us, so that they can better understand and accept themselves. This affirmation of self can increase self-esteem, help us understand others, and by extension, improve relationships.

I know from my own lived experiences that mental health and self-acceptance are an ongoing journey. We all need support at times, and having affirming spaces to safely explore your emotions is invaluable. Therapy starts to break the shame cycle; receiving empathy instead of shame is a powerful experience and important step towards healing. In my 8 years of clinical practice, I have come to believe we are all worthy of support and acceptance, and strive to make my office a space of affirmation and empathy. If you are ready to start being kinder to yourself one of the first steps is recognizing and validating your own needs, including a need for help at times. I believe empathy will change the world, but while that is easy to say, it also takes action and work. If you are reading this you are already thinking about it, that’s why I hope you start to take action and schedule an initial appointment today.

I wear many hats in different roles. In addition to working with patients, I am a Professor at The College of New Jersey. As an educator I love sharing knowledge about topics I’m passionate about, especially related to self-concept, sexual orientation, gender identity, harm reduction, culture and history. As a sexologist with a PhD in Human Sexuality, I take a holistic approach and incorporate this worldview into all areas of my personal and professional life. My research focuses on queer and bisexual+ identities, the unique challenges of erasure and monosexism, and their impact on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships.

When I’m not working with patients, I am home cuddling my dogs, playing video games, crafting, or finding a local adventure.

My therapeutic approaches are:

Motivational Interviewing, Affirmative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, PLISSIT Model, Trauma-Informed, Strength Focus, Solution Focused

Licenses:

PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker