Welcome to my website and Thank You for considering me out for your psychotherapy needs. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, I maintain a private practice in Canton, Georgia. I believe in an holistic approach to therapy paying attention to the bio-psycho-social aspects of each individual. For those battling a substance abuse problem I work closely with a physician Certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine as an Addiction Specialist. I am a culturally diverse and interactive therapist who loves what I do.
On a personal note, I have lived in a rural farm community and major metropolitan areas in the Midwest, South West and South. I am married, for 30+ years. I have an adult daughter, two spoiled dogs and a three cats. I understand the importance of relationships and connections and have been fortunate to maintain active relationships with a variety of friends from grade school on, previous employees/employers, and others. I am a member of the sandwich generation and have been for over 30 years. I intimately know the pressures and conundrums that can stress an individual and family system. I am a fan of veterans - most of the men I know have served in some branch of the military in active duty, wars and/or as a member of the National Guard. I'm LGBTQ friendly and I love learning about different cultures and people.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support, structure and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. I utilize a bio-psycho-social approach with each client (bio=biology what is going on physically with you, psycho=psychologically what is happening in your head to you emotionally, spiritually and internally, social is what it sounds like what is happening to you from your social sphere of family, friends, profession, etc.) With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help you build on your strengths and attain the personal growth you are committed to accomplishing.
I have over multiple years experience as a marriage and family therapist and am a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (AAMFT). I have an additional twenty years+ in Human Services and Management. I am a graduate of Mercer University Medical School, School of Psychiatry with a Master of Family Therapy degree. I specialize in family therapy, also described as systemic therapy. I am a published researcher on the topic of Math Anxiety in Students. I am currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients, including individuals, couples, families, veterans and the LGBTQ community. Among my areas of specialization are Addiction, Substance Use/Abuse, Pre-Marital Therapy, Care Giving, Chronic Illness, Sandwich Generation, Parenting, Life Changes and Adjustments, Professional Concerns, Communication, Identity Issues, Adult ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Crisis Intervention, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Victims, Trauma and more.
In addition to being a prominent, competent, therapist, I have presented at National conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of Elder Care, Self Care, Addiction, Communication, Enabling, Boundaries, Life Long Planning, Medicare, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
I believe that therapy should be both comfortable and challenging, focused on you, your goals, desires, and problems. Therapy should result in growth, better understanding of self (and others), and may be at times anxiety, thought provoking, and even a bit emotionally painful during the growing and recovery phases. Therapy is a relationship between you and your therapist, a mutual relationship with both of you invested in the outcome and the journey. I look forward to being a part of your journey.
Education:
Master of Family Therapy (MFT), Mercer University School of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, Macon GA
Bachelor of Science ~ Psychology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville TN.
Practicum ~ Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences (MARR) Mens Center - Addiction Specialty
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) MFT00001390
Published in Sociological Spectrum May-June 2004 edition.
1997’s WHO’S WHO OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS.
2007 Who’s Who of American Business Women
Additional Training
Trauma
Dialetic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Gottman Level I
Robert Woods Johnson Foundation Strategic Communications
Sucide Crisis Intervention
Crisis Prevention Intervention
Military Culture
Professional Activities and Memberships
Clinical Fellow American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Member Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy