About Me
After obtaining my Bachelors in English Literature at UNC Chapel Hill, I realized that I really connected to literature because of the characters: understanding why they did what they did and what their motives communicated about human nature more broadly. I also realized that I wanted to explore these issues more directly than I could from the page. This led me to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at George Washington University. Through my training, I learned I had a penchant for analysis and meaning making that went beyond the written word. In the room with my patients I was able to see my analytical skills take on a new meaning and purpose: the ability to help others better know themselves and heal from deep wounds. Like many therapists, I also discovered how providing therapy allows the therapist to heal alongside their patients, fostering greater comfort with my own emotional world and vulnerability.
I have been a therapist for over 10 years, having the honor to treat people from diverse backgrounds and concerns at university counseling centers, community mental health clinics and private companies. Over the years, likely due to my own constellation of struggles, my passion for working with those who struggle with anxiety, disordered eating, perfectionism, and attachment distress has become my specialty. As a recovering perfectionist myself, I understand the benefits and pitfalls of seeking a sense of personal worth through achievement. While this has enabled me to be a successful clinician, it also allows me to understand the emotional toll it has on many of my patients.
Beyond talk therapy, I believe in the healing power of movement, creativity and time with loved ones. I practice what I preach through yoga, cat cuddles, silly play, and time in the ceramics studio. Should we work together you will likely see my psych assistant, Rupert the cat, join our calls.
My Qualifications
At UNC, I obtained my Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature and minored in Philosophy and Classical studies. I graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Undergraduate Student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Education and Work Experience
Graduate Student at George Washington University
At GWU, I obtained my master's and doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis on adult and individual psychotherapy and assessment. My training included rotations at the University of DC's counseling center and George Washington University Hospital's psychiatric unit. I graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Intern at University of Virginia
I attended an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at the UVA's counseling center. My supervised experience included providing individual and group therapy as well as psychological assessment and crisis services to a diverse student population.
Post-doc at the University of California Santa Cruz
I attended an APA-accredited post-doctoral fellowship at UCSC's counseling center. My supervised experience included providing individual and group therapy as well as psychological assessment and crisis services to a diverse student population.
Staff Psychologist at San Jose State University
I worked as a staff psychologist at SJSU's counseling center, providing individual, couple's and group therapy as well as crisis services to a diverse student population. I provided individual and group supervision to psychology interns and post-doctoral fellows. Additionally, I led an interdisciplinary disordered eating treatment team comprised of a psychiatrist, physician, case manager and fellow staff psychologists.
Senior Clinician at Two Chairs
I worked as a senior clinician at Two Chairs, a private mental health company, providing long-term individual therapy to a diverse adult population. I led a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic consultation group of fellow clinicians.
Professional Affiliations
I am a member of the American Psychological Association.