she/her/hers

Licensed in: New York

Education & Training:

• Master of Professional Studies in Creative Art Therapy – School of Visual Arts
• Advanced Research, Trauma and Addiction – School of Visual Arts

Specialties:

I specialize in working with clients who experience general and social anxiety. My clients are often neurodivergent or have trauma histories that inform their view of themselves and the world. Many of my clients are experiencing or anticipating life transitions that exasperate underlying anxieties and generate fear of the future.

Some of my clients come from religious backgrounds or communities of color. I understand that being a part of these communities can result in an avoidance of mental health and cause feelings of doubt and shame. I work with clients on navigating a path that leads them to empowerment and acceptance in their authentic selves.

Clinical Style & Theoretical Orientation:

As a Creative Arts Therapist, I use creativity and artmarking as a tool to make the subconscious conscious. Creative processes allow people to connect with younger versions of ourselves who can serve as a guide when confronted with uncertainty. Most of my clients are not artists themselves, so I rely on materials readily available in most homes. The hope is to give my clients a coping tool to bring mindfulness to their life and reduce their anxiety.

I provide each client with a flexible and client-empowered approach. I encourage clients to actively make informed decisions throughout their therapeutic journey. I collaborate with them to help them understand their challenges differently and develop skills to reframe how they respond to life stressors. I assist clients with facing preconceived ideals and standards in a gentle and supportive manner that fosters empowerment and confidence-building.

In sessions, I utilize a creative art therapy approach that emphasizes the expression of emotions and self. Artmaking helps clients develop healthy coping skills outside of the therapeutic space. I also engage with mindfulness practices to emphasize being aware of thoughts without judgment or guilt through the acceptance and validation of all emotions.

Lived Identity:

• Personal experience with perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety
• Raised in the South
• Raised Christian
• First-generation college graduate
• Awareness of cultural stigmas around mental health and faith

Personal Interests:

Making art (painting, drawing, sculpting), cooking, walking in the park/around the neighborhood, and reading

Insurance:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross (New York commercial plans only, accepted via Headway)
• Cigna/Evernorth
• Fidelis Care
• Meritain Health
• United/Oxford/Optum
• Out-of-network (billed through Thrizer)