“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” –Dalai Lama
Bio
I have had the unique experience of living in and traveling to different parts of the USA and the world. I grew up in the Midwest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), went to college in the Southwest (East Texas), received my doctorate in the Mid-South (Memphis, TN), lived and worked in Southeast Asia (Singapore), and have now settled in the Mid-Atlantic (Northern VA). Goal-setting has always been a staple in my life, and it lends itself very well to my work with clients. I have the degrees (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology), licenses (Virginia, District of Columbia, Wisconsin, and the United Kingdom), and work experience (18+years, including the last 10 years in DC and VA) that would be expected for a psychologist. I also have the drive, determination, and motivation to help others attain their goals, and work towards an enhanced well-being. In addition, I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Section on Ethnic and Racial Diversity of APA, and the British Psychological Society.
What sets me apart from my esteemed colleagues
As is the case with most people, I am a multi-faceted individual, and the following illustrates the answers to this often-asked question. As a clinician who has worked in various settings (including a community mental health center and school program in rural USA; university counseling centers in the South and Midwest; a multi-disciplinary private practice/learning center in Southeast Asia; and group practices in DC and Northern Virginia) for almost 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals in various stages of growth (theirs and mine), and I have been able to push with them through their challenges, and celebrate their successes. As a supervisor for clinicians in various stages of their professional development, I have had the opportunity to share my knowledge, while also being receptive to what they can teach me in the course of our work together. This role has reinforced the importance of being a life-long student, while also teaching me ways to extend grace to others. As a former athlete, I have faced (and overcome) adversity, both on and off the court/field, and have been able to help other athletes work through their own “hurdles” to be able to enhance their lives as athletes and as individuals. As a Global Citizen (and co-author of a book for expatriate teenagers), I have experienced different cultures, individuals, and situations/circumstances in various parts of the world that have challenged me to embrace others in a way that allows me to have a level of empathy and compassion that makes me an effective clinician.
In all, my experiences (and sense of humor) uniquely enhance my therapeutic skills, and result in a down-to-earth therapeutic experience where you can feel:
Empowered,
Listened to,
Encouraged,
Validated,
Affirmed, and
Trusted, for an
Enhanced sense of self
Ultimately, we can work together to help you ELEVATE to become your Best Self.
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