I am a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who has over a decade of professional experience in assorted social work roles. I have experience providing psychotherapy to individuals with an array of concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, complex trauma, and relationship concerns. I have primarily worked with adult individuals, but I also have experience and training in working with adolescents. My primary therapeutic orientation is psychodynamic, focusing on helping individuals work with their thoughts and emotions to improve their relationships with others, increase their sense of personal agency, and make desired changes in living. I also have experience and training with a variety of other therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Seeking support is a courageous and meaningful step, and I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where clients feel heard and respected. I believe healing begins within a welcoming therapeutic environment that centers on your individual needs, strengths, and goals. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations, including veterans, children, teens, and adults across hospital, outpatient, and community-based settings. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, with a strong focus on building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I utilize evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Treatment is thoughtfully tailored to support emotional growth, develop effective coping strategies, and promote meaningful, lasting change. I believe that with consistent support and positive guidance, healing is possible. I am committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward greater balance, clarity, and well-being, and I invite you to reach out when you are ready to begin.

I am a dynamic and goal driven therapist, that has nearly 3 decades of experience in a variety of different mental health settings. I love the process of helping people decipher the reasons behind why they do what they do, and then, to help them learn the tools to change what they are doing, and improve their lives. I am 100% committed to helping persons that are committed to the therapy process, improve their lives. I have successfully treated hundreds-perhaps thousands, of individuals over the years, and am constantly striving myself -to learn new tools and techniques that are not just a part of the average cookie-cutter psychotherapy in the industry. I aim to provide a balanced approach in the work that I do. Meaning, that I am there to listen, but then to be actively working with you, in finding the solutions to what presents you to me.

**Accepting New Clients for virtual sessions** Sometimes life gets in the way of our happiness. Sometimes we just don't know how to be happy because early on we learned a dysfunctional way of communicating. Sometimes, we continue to struggle with challenges from our past (abuse, sexual trauma, etc.), no matter how hard we try to fix it or how hard we run from it (physically or with substance). You absolutely can get past the challenges that are keeping you from living your best self. I've been in that tough space. I get it. You don't have to do it alone. I support the client to reach their personal goals through a psychodynamic approach and applying the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. IFS helps the client to build a loving and compassionate relationship with those extreme and destructive parts of us. IFS is a remarkable model of therapy that offers hope when you thought you were hopeless. Ask me about it! We all have our own journey. My journey was long and extremely personally challenging. I bring a perspective to my clients that comes from significant life experience, in addition to specialized training. Everyone's personal journey is their own and requires respect and deference about the fears that might come up. Even thinking about therapy can be scary. I get it. You will not be alone. I look forward to partnering with you to help you return to the person you were meant to be.

I believe the unconscious has positive intent and therapy helps those to find what that is. My mission is to help relieve people of toxic sexual shame and embrace their sexuality and sexual identities along with sexual desires and fantasies free of shame and guilt

I see myself as a source of unconditional support, a sounding board and a safe place for others to do the work of therapy. The therapeutic office is a sacred and unique space that gives others space to sort through their experiences, beliefs, and hopes. In my office, this happens in a developmentally appropriate way that allows anyone from the age of three up to work through the struggles that bring them to therapy. These interventions may include traditional talk interventions, experiential interventions like play therapy and sand tray therapy, EMDR, as well as narrative and art interventions. My eclectic approach allows Individuals to choose the best way for them to engage in the process of therapy.

I work with adults experiencing conflicts in relationships, in identity andor the experience of self, and uncertainty in overcoming life’s many challenges. In our work together all aspects of you are welcome, and it is my hope that we will create a relationship in which you find comfort and safety to be yourself without fear of judgment. Because your unique word choices and use of language are products of you, it is my belief that close attention to what you say leads us to a richer, more complex understanding of your experience of self. It is my hope that our shared endeavor will give way to increased self-knowledge, liberation from distress, and empowerment to engage in life.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who has successfully treated couples, families, and individuals for over 30 years. Using Brief Collaborative Therapy, you learn new ways to successfully work through life's critical issues, for many of you, in as few as 10 sessions. How does Brief Collaborative Therapy work? You are the expert in your life teaching me about what you need and how best to accomplish getting those needs met. Sessions are client focused and solution directed. We collaborate in creating desired goals and an action plan, then actively participate in homework directed to test and fine-tune skills used to resolve issues and achieve those goals. Therefore, therapy becomes more efficient and effective. Many clients successfully resolve their issues in 5 - 10 sessions!! As a clinical member and approved supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and in practice for 30 years, I am uniquely qualified to provide brief, collaborative therapy. As the owner of the Birmingham Family Therapy Clinic, I have helped hundreds of clients successfully resolve their issues.

Many of the experiences people face reside in our anxiety, and finding solutions to complex life problems associated with anxiety often requires additional support and consultation. This is where I hope to be of service to you. I believe that we, as individuals, can accomplish just about anything if we are prepared and have the right supports in place.

When you’re searching for a therapist, you may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. Maybe you’re navigating stress, self-doubt, or emotions that feel too heavy to carry alone. Therapy can provide a space to step back, gain clarity, and begin making sense of what you’re going through. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes, the first step is simply allowing yourself to be heard. In therapy, you can expect a thoughtful and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences, gain deeper self-awareness, and develop strategies to manage challenges. My approach is insight-driven and reflective, helping you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck while also providing tools to help you move forward. Sessions are a balance of open exploration and practical guidance, shaped around your unique needs and goals. Therapy is a process, and everyone’s journey looks different. Some people come in wanting to work through a specific challenge, while others are looking for a space to process and gain insight over time. Whatever brings you here, we’ll work together in a way that feels helpful to you. If you’re considering therapy, I welcome you to reach out.

About Relationship Academy Michigan Welcome to Relationship Academy Michigan, where healing relationships is our highest priority. We believe that nobody exists in isolation; our lives are deeply shaped by our connections, attachment histories, and systemic experiences. Our approach to helping is rooted in a collaborative, nonjudgmental, and relational framework designed to guide individuals, couples, and families toward healthier, more fulfilling connections. Rather than offering surface-level advice or quick fixes, we provide a safe, curious space to explore the deeper emotional patterns driving conflict, distance, or emotional pain. We tailor our care to your unique needs using highly effective, evidence-based modalities, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, alongside trauma-informed and strength-based practices. As an inclusive practice affirming of all identities and relationship structures, including specialized support for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), attention-deficit hyperactivity and autism (AuDHD), and LGBTQIA+ communities, our ultimate goal is to help you build lifelong relationship skills, strengthen your emotional bonds, and foster lasting growth and self-confidence on your own terms.

Life's difficulties and challenges can pull anyone off balance for a time. Having a professional to support recovering that balance as you travel your personal journey may be the first step toward greater insight and establishing compassionate self empowerment. I am devoted to being that professional as we explore the inner and external landscapes of modern living.