The world around us loves to try to reduce us to boxes that make others feel more comfortable. The walls of the boxes inevitably lop off important parts of who we uniquely are. We can be misunderstood, unseen, shamed and marginalized as we are told we are “too” this or “too” that. When we challenge the system and say, “I am not too much; You are too little,” we can experience profound harm.

My work is all about using proven, evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral tools to help people release their lives from those boxes and heal from the damage. I help people recover from trauma, anxiety, grief and painful relationships in an environment of mutuality and respect. 

There is a saying passed down from my Indigenous ancestors that observes: "All things affect all things.” When we align our organic lives with the natural world around us instead of trying to bend it to our will, we create a harmony that offers healing to all.

I'm here to empower you with truth, hope and wholeness.

Let's put your innate wisdom together with my clinical skills and help you create a more vibrant, satisfying life.

Credentials

• Master of Science, Pastoral Counseling, Loyola College of MD (now Loyola University,) 1999
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, (LCPC,) State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors, LC-PC 1711 (licensed since 2004, pre-licensed since 1999)
• Certified in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Levels I and II, American Hypnosis Training Academy, 2016
• Advanced Certification in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Addictions, American Hypnosis Training Academy, 2018
• Certified Integrative Nutrition Mental Health Professional, (advanced training in trauma nutrition,) Evergreen Certifications, 2023

Dr. Dante (short for, “Andante,”) has been an integral part of my treatment team since he was a puppy, in 2011. The pandemic was very hard on Dante, as he took his job of holding peace in the room and inviting clients to remember to play very seriously. Suddenly all of the clients were only appearing in the silver box at home. He was not a fan.

He appears to have begrudgingly reconciled to his new role, working hard at keeping me centered in session. He now appears on social media to remind you to play, (with and without his siblings,) in my “Mental Health Minutes,” and occasionally interjects his life lessons into my blogs. 

He’s too short to be seen on camera, but trust me… he’s still here, serving you (and me,) faithfully as he trains his Big Little Sister, Zen, and Big Little Brother, Stuart, (who are big enough to be seen on camera and often pop into session to say hi.)

Credentials

• Best Boi Ever, (B.B.E.,) 2011 – pres.
• (You can find Dante on Instagram @dr.dante.d.dawg and with his siblings @2andahalfpoodlez)