Welcome to Lighthouse Counseling. Therapy is based upon boundaries and trust. Please carefully review the following information since it is the foundation on which the counseling relationship is built.

Education and Licensure:

• Bachelor of Science, Old Dominion University,  Human Services Counseling, 1995
• Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Norfolk State University,  2008 
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by the state of Virginia, 2011

Experience: I have worked in private practice since 2009. I completed my residency while under supervision by an LCSW at Eden Counseling Center in Norfolk, Virginia in 2011 and then as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Eden Counseling Center from 2011-2020. I then worked as a counselor at Liberating Lives Christian Counseling for 2 years. I transitioned to Lighthouse Counseling in Dec., 2021 and am currently serving as one of 3 Clinical Directors.

Population Served: I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex trauma, grief and loss issues and difficult life transitions. I work with couples and families for marriage issues/conflicts, co-parenting issues and divorce recovery. I also lead two adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups every week.

Professional Standards: I abide by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics.

Therapeutic Orientation: My orientation to counseling is based on the belief that all individuals can develop healthier life skills, improve problem solving and gain confidence through making positive changes in their lives. I work to help individuals acknowledge their strengths, and encourage, support and challenge people to make changes in thoughts and behaviors that are getting in the way of a better emotional health and well-being.. I use a strength-based approach and an integrative style of counseling from several APA (American Psychological Association) therapeutic research based interventions.

Training and Certifications: I have specialized training in Level 1 Complex Trauma and Dissociation (I’m currently taking Level 2), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Eye Movement and Integration (EMI), Trust Based Relationships and Intervention (TBRI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also utilize CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, and Solution Focused. I respect the beliefs of all of my clients. At the same time, the direction I give will be influenced by my Christian beliefs. If you are unsure if this will be a fit for you, or if you have specific questions before we begin our work together, I’m happy to answer those. I may also encourage you to read books and/or use workbooks based on what I believe will provide additional help outside the therapy session. 

As a client, you have the right to be an informed consumer and as such may choose the provider which best suits your needs. You may also request a referral to another counselor or ask for a change in the treatment approach. You have the right to seek a second opinion about your condition and treatment. It is important that counseling be a safe place for you.