My Approach to Helping
If you are experiencing trauma of any degree, battling any kind of substance use problem, or dealing with any kind of life crisis, then I may be the provider for you. I have over 22 years of experience working with both men and women from adolescence to late adulthood who have experienced trauma of all kinds, substance use, and difficulty managing life’s stressors and crises of many kinds. I understand how you may experience fear in nearly every interpersonal relationship, even with therapists. I have experience working in a multicultural environment. I believe in providing support by meeting people where they are. I will provide you with a safe and supportive counseling environment, and we will work together to find solutions that are right for you. Also, I will work as part of your "team" with other family members and with psychiatrists who manage medications or with other professionals who may be treating other family members.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia and am pending licensure in the state of Alaska (15–25 days). After graduating from high school, I began my career in mental health by working as a direct care worker for the local state mental facility while perusing my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology. I then relocated to Georgia to work for Central State Hospital, where I served for 5 years and later moved on to work in the Georgia prison system in Substance Abuse Counseling. While working in the Georgia prison system, I attended Troy State University and then obtained my Master’s Degree in Community Counseling and Psychology. I worked for several years in positions such as clinical supervisor, clinical director, clinical consultant, and clinical operations manager in a few community mental health centers over the years, in conjunction with maintaining my own practice specializing in the treatment of trauma, substance use disorders, emotional-behavioral disorders, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
I recently was a Clinical Director for a Community Mental Health agency where I provided supervision to clinicians that provide services to individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs). I’m also a member of the Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor Association (GA-LPCA). In addition, I also provide supervision to counselors in training (Licensed Associate Professional Counselors-LAPC) in conjunction with teaching spiritual awareness and cultural competence classes.