Healing from the inside out.
What manifested as substance use, mental health issues, poverty, low community trust and cohesiveness, and conflict was my family coping with the social and cultural traumas experienced by the generations that came before them. Living in “survival mode” was not new to my lineage.
I later learned that this is called intergenerational trauma.
This was an eye-opener for me; it was the first time I realized that what I was experiencing was real, and it had a name. I had been living with the weight of a trauma every single day.
I took a deep dive into understanding how this was affecting my life and how to overcome it. I was able to relax; to stop waiting and preparing for the next shoe to drop. I gained power over my decisions and started building connections that were fulfilling. I am no longer tethered to anger, depression, fear, anxiety, or loneliness.
By releasing the stories and wounds of my ancestors, I was able to infuse my life with a fulfilling sense of belonging and purpose.
“To heal is to touch with love that which was previously touched by fear.”
- Stephen Levine
Credentials & Experience
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York (License # 009644).
Licensed Professional Counselor, New Jersey (License #37PC00824800)
MS degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus
BS in Psychology with a minor in Writing from College of Mount Saint Vincent
Trauma Studies Certification from The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP). This is a two-year Trauma Studies program. I received training in contemporary trauma theory, neurobiological principles, and different modalities that aid in treating traumatic experiences.
I have worked in various not-for-profit organizations throughout NYC, with people of all ages and different backgrounds to overcome various mental health issues. The work I have done has focused on people from marginalized communities who have experienced numerous trauma experiences and often face stigma when receiving mental health services.
Specialized Training
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy body-based technique that helps people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR can help people access their natural healing process by challenging negative cognitions associated with traumatic/distressing events. Learn more about EMDR therapy.
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) is an emerging psychotherapy model that facilitates transformation of the client through the relationship with the therapist. AEDP seeks to undo aloneness by using the emotional experience and experiential experience of both client and therapist in order to aid in transformation.
My Therapy Approach Is…
Trauma Informed
I understand and consider the pervasive nature of trauma and promote an environment of healing and recovery.
Grounded
I bring a calm, strong, centered and peaceful presence to the therapy experience.
Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive
I am an inclusive therapist who recognizes and discusses how the disproportion of power and privilege affect emotional well-being.
Compassionate
Compassion and kindness are the most powerful and most underrated agent of human behavior change.
Empowering
In therapy, you’ll transform powerlessness and increase control over your life.
Collaborative
We will work together as a team to engage in dialogues that encourage growth and change.
Trauma is a fact of life…
But it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
In therapy, you’ll learn how to develop a deep awareness that will help you renegotiate and heal traumas. You will gain valuable “first aid” skills for times of distress. You’ll uncover the roots of your emotions. My fully integrated therapy approach will provide you with the essential methods to address unexplained symptoms of trauma at their source, and return to a state in which you were meant to live.
My greatest joy is helping people release their trauma and change their outlook on life. Everyone has a right to heal.
Fun Facts!
Reading
I love to read. You can find me most days curled up on my couch with a book in my Comfy. Favorite Books Read in 2022: Olga Dies Dreaming, The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love, and The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Self.
Tea Drinker
I don’t like coffee. It actually makes me sleepy! No shade to my coffee drinkers out there. Favorite teas to drink are: green tea, lavender tea, raspberry tea & elderberry tea. Can’t live without my matcha green tea latte!
Snacks
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good snack? I pride myself on introducing snacks to people. All time favorite snacks are: Birthday cake Oreos (seriously the best ever), Cado deep dark Chocolate ice cream.
Yoga
Okay hear me out here. I was not into sports growing up and exercising - what is that? Anyway in hopes for looking for something to help move my body, I fell in love with yoga. It really works but you have to keep at it. I do ten minutes on most days- when I’m strapped for time - and thats more than enough.
