Shining Light Therapy
Psychotherapy for Children, Teens, Families, and Adults
About Me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I have extensive training and experience with trauma, child/adolescent behavior disorders, school/social difficulties, parenting/relationship stress, and anxiety/depression. I am a Certified Brainspotting Consultant, Registered Play Therapist™, and Advanced Somatic Experiencing Student.
I received my masters from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2006, where I also studied the integration of faith and the practice of clinical psychology. My undergraduate degree in Psychology is from the College of William and Mary, where I was a Division I athlete and First Team Academic All-American.
Specializations
When a person experiences trauma, their bodies and brains are changed. The world looks and feels different -- because it is. But there is hope for healing! Both children and adults can release the effects of trauma, harness the benefits of post traumatic growth, and find joy again.
Anxiety and Depression are the most common mental health complaints, and the most treatable! Many people experience considerable symptom relief with professional care. I use several proven techniques along with compassion and empathy to provide a supportive environment for growth.
Physical, emotional, academic and social stress can be overwhelming for teens! I specialize in treating adolescents with Anxiety, Depression, Social Problems, Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation, School Difficulties, and LGBTQ concerns.
Developed by David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing the core neurophysiological sources of emotional pain and a variety of challenging symptoms. Brainspotting's goal is to allow the client to receive as much healing as fast as possible!
Raising children today is tough! I work with the whole family to increase strengths, resilience and regulation to help the family system run more smoothly. I specialize in treating Trauma, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Suicidal Ideation, and Highly Sensitive Children. I also have experience working with adoptive families and those affected by divorce.
Faith-based therapy combines spiritual wisdom with psychological theories and practices. Following your lead, we can include prayer, scripture reading, and other spiritual practices to encourage your emotional/spiritual health.