A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a black blouse and beige pants, standing against a dark gray background.

Welcome to my practice.

Taking those first steps to find a therapist requires more than a little courage, so nice work. I want to share a bit about myself to help you get to know me, and to help you determine if you think my practice and approach will be a good match for your journey toward healing. 

The overview: In 1999 received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and my graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago in 2001.  I have been in private practice for almost 15 years, but have been practicing social work for closer to 25 years. And I love being a therapist.

Learn more about my practice, my approach, and me below.

How I found my calling

I lived the first ten years of my life in Shreveport, Louisiana, after which my family moved to a small town in northeast Arkansas. In Batesville I had the typical and not so typical milestone experiences; hit puberty, became a teenager, had my first kiss, learned to drive, learned to fight (ineffectively) with my parents, fell in love, had my heart broken, made some of my best friends, survived my first trauma, got my first ulcer, met my first therapist, and realized for the first time that, if I wanted, I could be the author of my story. By the time I graduated from high school I had gotten the hang of this therapy thing, or at least being on the receiving end of it.  And who wouldn't want to do this all the time?!  During college both my desire and capacity to walk with others through deep suffering toward healing began to emerge.  And in that I had found my calling.  It was still another twelve years before I could finally open my practice and say I had the job I always wanted.

I opened my practice in Franklin, Tennessee in 2009 and moved it to Brentwood, Tennessee shortly thereafter. Today I specialize in working with adolescents, women, and families.  In my practice I provide specialized services and genuine compassion to the individuals and families seeking assistance. I have worked as a clinical social worker across a variety of settings (i.e. homes, schools, hospitals, community centers, private practice). During my time at Johns Hopkins Hospital I worked as a pediatric oncology social worker providing psychosocial support services in the in-patient and out-patient hospital settings, including facilitating a support group for parents of children with a cancer diagnosis , and consulting with doctors regarding psychosocial issues faced by families in our care. While employed by the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency I provided in-home clinical intervention for children in the foster care system and their families. I worked with foster parents and the court system to find and prepare permanent homes for children living in the foster care system. These along with many other experiences have allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds facing a multitude of issues. A few of the issues and populations I currently work with in my practice include:

  • Grief and loss

  • Depression/Anxiety​

  • Traumatic events

  • Women’s Issues

  • Family or sibling conflict

  • Postpartum/new parent adjustments

  • LGBTQIA+ teens and adults

  • Parents of children with special needs

  • Coping with everyday life changes

I feel privileged each time a client or family walks into my practice.  Choosing to invite someone new into your inner life or that of your child is a big deal and it should be. Deciding to engage in the therapeutic process will be one of the most important steps you take toward healing whether it be for yourself, your child, or your family. A lot of thought and effort should go into finding the therapist with whom you are going to work. I have been through this process for myself, my children, for my entire family.  I understand what's involved.  I understand the faith and trust required to arrive at your first therapy session. Because I know this, I cherish each opportunity you offer me to walk beside you on your journey toward healing.  In my practice the healing journey includes hope, encouragement, safety, empowerment, and discernment. Together we can nurture your strengths, heal old wounds, and find the help you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy in Brentwood

Questions about therapy

  • This is a great question. Different therapist have different styles, and there's no "one right way" to do therapy. I design therapy sessions to feel relaxed and conversational. Our first few therapy sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and identify possible treatment goals for our work together. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me.

    Therapy involves a significant commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you are uncertain or have questions about my process, we should discuss them whenever they arise. You can have your questions answered at any point during a session. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion. My top priority is getting you the help you need.

    If you need more questions answered, contact our office at 931-3354-0098.

  • For some, it will be as simple as trusting your gut. If you need a bit more guidance, here are a few questions you can ask yourself while trying to decide if a particular therapist is a good fit for you. You should be able to get these questions answered within the first few sessions.

    • Do you feel respected during your time together?

    • Do you feel they are truly listening to what you have to say?

    • Do their questions feel relevant?

    • Do they understand what you are trying to say?

    • Do their questions lead you to greater insight?

    • Can you see yourself learning from them?

    • Are they eventually able to put you at ease during your time together?

    • Does their availability fit your schedule?

    • Do you like them?

    • Do you trust their credentials?

    • Are they knowledgeable about particular issues you face?

    Choosing to invite someone new into your inner life or that of your child is a big deal and it should be. Deciding to engage in the therapeutic process will be one of the most important steps you take toward healing whether it be for yourself, your child, or your family. A lot of thought and effort should go into finding the therapist with whom you are going to work. I have been through this process for myself, my children, for my entire family.  I understand what's involved.  I understand the faith and trust required to arrive at your first therapy session. Because I know this, I cherish each opportunity you offer me to walk beside you on your journey toward healing.  In my practice the healing journey includes hope, encouragement, safety, empowerment, and discernment. Together we can nurture your strengths, heal old wounds, and find the help you are looking for.

    If this doesn't answer your question or you have other questions, please contact our office at 931-334-0098

  • This is the question that everyone starting therapy wants to know. The honest answer is "it depends." If you are seeking help adjusting to a recent event or to learn how to better manage your stress or anxiety, it may take 4 - 6 weeks (for some it may be less time or more). If you experienced a recent trauma, the duration of treatment will depend on your previous trauma history, your ability to tolerate the stress involved in recalling past trauma, and the treatment modalities you are open to. The more trauma one has experienced the longer and more complex treatment tends be.

    As a seasoned and empathic clinician, I want you to experiences some degree of relief as quickly as possible. My ultimate goal is to help you reach a point where you no longer need clinical support to manage the stressors in your life. That said, it's not uncommon for clients to finish their therapy and reach back out months or years later for a "booster" session. They have learned the value of the therapeutic process and can use it any time they think it will be helpful.

    If you need to have more specific questions answered, contact our office at 931-334-0098.

  • "Yes, I specialize in working with mothers in every stage of parenthood. It is common to struggle with low-grade depression during pregnancy and the first few weeks postpartum, but if these feelings persist, it is important to consult your OBGYN and a therapist who understands these unique challenges.

    Many mothers I work with in Brentwood and via telehealth describe a feeling of 'losing themselves' to motherhood. In her practice, I provide a safe space to help you reclaim your identity while nurturing your well-being. By integrating supportive counseling with clinical expertise in women's issues, I help you care for yourself so you can better care for your family. There is no shame in asking for help; you deserve to feel like a whole person again."

    If you need additional questions answered about therapy for parents, contact our office at 931-334-0098.

  • "Yes. Having worked as a pediatric oncology social worker at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I have deep experience walking alongside families navigating complex medical and developmental journeys. I understand that parenting a child with special needs brings unique joys and profound challenges that can affect every member of the family.

    I provide a compassionate space in my Brentwood practice and via telehealth to help parents and siblings process grief, manage chronic stress, and strengthen family dynamics. You don’t have to carry the weight of advocacy and caregiving alone; I am here to support the 'support system'—which is you.

    If you need to have more specific questions answered, reach out to our office at 931-334-0098.

  • 1730 General George Patton Drive #204, Brentwood, TN 37027

    Telehealth appointments are available for those residing in Tennessee or Maine.

  • In our area, the average cost for individual therapy sessions ranges from $100 - $250 per session. This price varies based on factors such as the therapist's experience, educations, licensure, expertise and specialties.

    I do offer a reduced rate based on financial hardship. If you think you may qualify, ask about this rate during your free consultation.

    If you would like more answers to this and other questions, please contact our office at 931-334-0098.

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