Understanding the words behind the work.

A word for the work I do

“Psychotherapist” describes my role providing therapy for emotional, relational, and mental health concerns. My approach is depth-oriented: alongside attending to present concerns, we can explore underlying patterns, protective responses, relationships, and the meanings you have made of your experiences. LCMHCA identifies the specific professional license under which I practice.

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

This is my North Carolina counseling license. It allows me to practice clinical mental health counseling under the supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor and a Board-approved supervision contract. “Associate” identifies a supervised stage of professional licensure.

Overlapping words for therapeutic work

Counseling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably in mental health care. Both can involve emotions, relationships, coping, identity, and mental health treatment. On this site, these words refer to the therapeutic work we do together; they do not describe separate levels of care.

Reflection, guidance, and accountability

Clinical supervision is a professional relationship in which I review and reflect on my counseling work with a qualified supervisor. It supports clinical judgment, ethical practice, and continued learning. It is part of how I provide care as an associate counselor.

What to know before beginning

My Professional Disclosure Statement, or PDS, explains my credentials, approach, supervision arrangements, fees, and other information about counseling services. You can review it before beginning and ask questions about anything that feels unclear. Read my Professional Disclosure Statement (PDF).

Safety, choice, and context

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that difficult experiences can shape how we feel, relate, and respond to the world. In our work, this means attending to safety, collaboration, your choices, and a pace that respects your readiness. You do not have to begin by telling the hardest parts of your story.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy used to work with distressing memories and related emotions, beliefs, and body responses. It includes preparation and, when appropriate, memory processing alongside alternating left-right stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. We consider your needs and readiness together; the work is more than the eye movements alone.

Drawing from Internal Family Systems

IFS understands inner experience through different “parts,” which may hold feelings, needs, memories, or protective roles. For example, one part of you may want change while another feels afraid of it. My IFS-informed approach draws from this model to meet those responses with curiosity and compassion. “Parts” is a way of understanding inner experience, not a diagnosis.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT helps us notice thoughts and feelings without having to let them direct every choice. We can practice making room for difficult experiences, paying attention to the present, and taking manageable steps toward what matters to you. Acceptance does not mean approving of harm or giving up on change.

Listening to the body

“Somatic” means relating to the body. In therapy, this may involve noticing tension, breath, movement, or other physical sensations alongside emotions and thoughts. We can explore what feels grounding and accessible to you, with choice about whether and how to include body-focused practices.

Understanding connection and protection

Attachment-informed work considers how experiences of closeness, care, separation, and safety can influence relationships. Together, we can notice patterns, understand the protection within them, and explore what helps you experience connection with more trust and choice.

Noticing the present with curiosity

Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is happening now, with less judgment. It might include noticing sounds, sensations, thoughts, or your surroundings. It does not require an empty mind or sitting still, and practices can be adapted to your sensory needs and preferences.

Making sense of complex experiences

ICoNN is a framework developed by Dr. Paul Miller within EMDR work, including work with trauma and experiences of psychosis. I have training in this model. It helps inform how I understand connections among experiences, beliefs, and distress, alongside careful assessment, preparation, and collaborative treatment planning. Trauma processing is considered individually and may be one part of a broader care plan.

Induced After-Death Communication

IADC is a grief-focused approach adapted from EMDR. It works with the sadness of loss and allows room for any felt sense of connection that may arise. Its name describes experiences some clients report; it does not establish their source or prove communication after death. Experiences vary, and a particular experience or outcome cannot be promised. Its evidence base is developing. Before beginning, we discuss its potential benefits, limitations, and other grief-support options. No particular spiritual belief is required.

Making room for understanding beyond words

Drawings, maps, diagrams, and reflection pages can offer another way to notice patterns and communicate what is difficult to explain. I draw on my background in visual communication and creative education to develop resources for clients and helping professionals. You do not need artistic experience to use them.

Respecting different ways of experiencing the world

This perspective recognizes variation in how people think, learn, communicate, and process sensory information. In my work, it means respecting your identity, taking your support needs seriously, and considering your environment alongside your strengths and challenges. We can explore supports and meaningful change without making conformity the goal.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent differences in attention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. In everyday life, it can affect organizing, starting tasks, remembering, and managing competing demands. Experiences and support needs vary. Therapy can make room for understanding your patterns and finding practical supports.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is the diagnostic abbreviation for autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that can influence communication, sensory experience, interests, routines, and ways of relating. “Spectrum” reflects varied experiences and support needs. I use respectful language that reflects each person’s preferences.

Co-occurring autism + ADHD

AuDHD is a community term used by many people who are both autistic and have ADHD. It is not a separate formal diagnosis. It can be a useful way to name the overlap, including experiences in which needs for familiarity, stimulation, rest, and novelty interact.