Authenticity

Safety

Social Justice

Connection

Curiosity

Community

Life-long Learning

***

I have spent much of my life trying to connect with my true self.

It’s been hard.

Being a people-pleaser in recovery has meant that I’ve often put the needs of others ahead of my own. Losing our sense of self can begin so early in life.

I know what it’s like to feel judged. Invalidated. Afraid.

But committing to my own therapy, discovering the enneagram, and having a strong journaling practice all helped me connect with my truth.

This fueled my decision to come out as a transgender woman in my late forties. Life is short. And precious.

Don’t we owe it to ourselves to figure out who we were meant to be?

When we work together, you’ll find that I am open, accepting, patient and empathic.

As a feminist, I am sensitive to the ways in which power is distributed in our society and used to oppress marginalized groups.

Because of my own past experiences, I am committed to providing a judgement-free zone: Your safety is my priority.

***

Before getting my masters degree in social work, I worked as an ESL teacher. I spent five years in Hawaii, two years in Thailand, one year in Japan, six months in Australia…

Next, I ended up in Roanoke, Virginia, which is when I got my MSW (in 2004). I have had many different jobs over the years as a licensed clinical social worker (it’s the nature of our business)…

I’ve been a case manager, did intensive in-home work, became a supervisor to a small team of clinicians, ran groups of all shapes and sizes, worked in the addiction field (with alcohol, then opioids), as well as in psychiatric wards (as an independent examiner for commitment hearings), organized an annual mental health conference…

***

I also LOVE teaching.

At Hollins University, I taught women’s studies courses as an adjunct professor in their masters of liberal studies program for twenty years.

Concurrently, for over ten years at Virginia Western Community College, I taught future social workers classes in psychology, group counseling, and mental health skills.

And through it all, I always maintained a small private therapy practice as a gender therapist.

Living in semi-rural southwest Virginia for two decades, I am so grateful to have been able to serve my local transgender community as a support and resource.

Now I’m in Durham, North Carolina, where I am looking forward to becoming part of a new community!

***

There is one more thing I’d like you to know about me:

I am passionate about all things holistic and esoteric.

I’m fascinated by energy medicine and have been practicing a form of energy psychology called Emotional Freedom Technique (aka “tapping”) for over twenty years. A combination of acupressure and verbal statements, this is one of my favorite methods for relieving emotional and physical distress.

Speaking of energy - and its vibratory nature - I am a believer in the healing power of sound. I’ve been working with Tibetan and crystal singing bowls for many years, as well as gongs. Pre-Covid, I used to regularly offer “sound baths” in Roanoke, and led a multi-day “sound meditation” retreat at Yogaville (in Buckingham, Virginia).

I’m a level 2 Reiki practitioner, and am trained in hypnosis. I just love altered states - both experiencing and facilitating them!

I also have been reading tarot cards for two decades. I have found the cards to be powerful tools for healing and self-growth. I’m just obsessed!

***

If we were to work together, please know that I bring my whole self into our sessions. I want to create a safe space in which you can feel comfortable - yet challenged, if necessary. At the end of the day, my goal is to serve your highest needs!