Master of Arts Degree (M.A.), in Professional Counseling from Argosy University/Atlanta: Georgia’s Professional School of Psychology, Atlanta, GA.

Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.), in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA.

RELEVANT EXPERENCE

I have worked as a counselor in Boston, MA to children and teens between the ages of 5 and 18. There I fostered the success and growth of children and teens with mild to severe emotional, behavioral, and learning problems by providing individualized attention as part of structured, nurturing, and fun group programs.

I also interned as a teacher assistant for a high school in the Fulton County School System for the special education department. I developed engaging lesson plans that incorporated the interest of the students.  I also assisted in devising a reward system for students who were targeted as potential high school dropouts. I led class discussions that focused on goal-setting and the importance in striving for academic success despite their disability.  I have also worked as a substitute teacher for Gwinnett County Public School System.  

The counseling style that I primarily work out of is Reality Therapy. Reality Therapy is a people-friendly approach that is not about giving you a “dose of reality” but about helping you recognize the distractions that keep you from making choices that benefit your life. The essence of Reality Therapy is that we are all responsible for what we choose to do, and that all any of us can control is our present life.

Reality Therapy encourages the ability to move from unhealthy to healthy patterns of behaviors that are much more need-fulfilling. When you feel fulfilled, it strengthens your relationships with yourself and others. Throughout the process, you will learn to identify your strengths and appreciate the efforts you put towards the change you are striving to make. You will also learn to let go of self-devaluing thought processes and learn to accept that your behaviors represent your best attempt to meet a need. Reality Therapy encompasses Choice Theory concepts and it states that, people can only control their own behavior, therefore therapy focuses on helping you realize that the only person you have control over is you. I use Reality Therapy with Choice Theory concepts in working with children, teens, and adults. 　

SPECIALTIES

As a counselor and play therapist, I really enjoy working with people. My passion is in helping people feel better about their situation. I strive to look for the positive in any challenge.  I work with all age groups, and specialize in the areas of children, teenagers, “Queen Bee” behaviors in adolescent girls, depression and anxiety (affecting any age group), and sexual/physical/and emotional abuse (working with children, teen, and adult survivors).

In working with any age, it is important to me to have an environment that feels safe; that you feel understood, listened to and respected; that there are choices; that we at times have fun or learn; and that we work hard to move to resolving the problem(s).

 Children:

I have found that play therapy is more helpful when working with children, and I utilize this approach with children ages 3-10 or when developmentally appropriate. In working with older children, I like to incorporate creative or expressive counseling into my work. Please see the Play Therapy section for further information on Play Therapy at 31 Stories, LLC.

 Teenagers:

Teens are beginning to realize that they are transitioning from a child to a young adult. That transition brings responsibilities that some teens are not prepared for. Teens could be wondering, what college to go to, what career to do, or simply what’s after high school.  I provide a comfortable environment that will allow for them to be receptive to change, and understand how to effectively take control of their lives. This is done by giving them knowledge and techniques that they are able to use in their everyday lives. I help teens with goal-setting, decision-making, establishing appropriate relationships, coping-skills and self-image.  

 Bullies and Queen Bees:

I also do work with adolescent girls and boys that have issues around bullying or Queen Bee behaviors. These behaviors include power, control, cliques, gossip, bullying, cyber-bullying, aggression, and peer pressure. I work individually with the client and/or with their families. I have also facilitated Queen Bee workshops in schools.  If you are a school that is interested in me speaking at your school please call for more details.

 Adults, Couples and Families:

I work with individuals, traditional/non traditional couples, families, and groups. I have experience working with issues ranging from stress, grief, communication, depression, and anxiety. Sometimes I use creative or experiential approaches with adults if their learning style is kinesthetic rather than verbal or visual.

PRESENTATIONS

“What is Play Therapy?” at The Giving Tree, May 16, 2011.

Guest Speaker, Spelman College, November 19, 2010.

“Ethical Bloopers and Blunders” at Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology Spring Conference, April 30, 2010.

“Emotion Coaching for Parents and Queen Bees” workshop at Saint Thomas More School, August 27, 2009.

“Queen Bees” workshop at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School, April 22, 2009.

“Queen Bees” workshop at Saint Thomas More School, October 21, 2008.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

 Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in Georgia

 Board Eligible National Certified Counselor (BE NCC)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Member of Association of Play Therapy (APT)