About

About me

I was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#P016470) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (#27452). I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I also have certification in Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) through Triangle Wellness & Recovery. My background is in community mental health where I have worked in various treatment settings such as; Clubhouse models of care, office-based opioid treatment clinics, and community outpatient therapy practices. These diverse settings helped shaped my therapeutic framework as well as the people who I enjoy working with. In my free time, you can assume that I am exploring the world with my wife, cycling, gardening, watching sports, enjoying music, eating vegan food, and playing with my dogs (Doc & Patsy) while getting swatted at by our cat (Emmylou).

Approach

My therapeutic framework is integrative and holistic where I incorporate mind, body, and spirit into our work. I also like to focus on our environment. Where we live, work, learn, worship, and play can have major influence on how we navigate the world.

I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to humans, so our work together should reflect the complexities and uniqueness of who we are. I’ve specialized in helping people change their relationships with their thoughts and emotions, improve relationships with loved ones, heal from past trauma, and live a meaningful live through value-oriented action and skill building. I incorporate CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS and mindfulness-based interventions while understanding and appreciating the many ways in which healing can occur- all under a social justice lens.

When working with individuals who have substance use disorders, who engage in recreational use or are curious in how substances play a role in their life, I will always meet you where you are. I operate from a harm reduction philosophy where the aim is to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use while protecting the rights and autonomy of people who use drugs.

Specialties

  • Problematic substance use and addiction

  • Psychedelic Integration

  • Mood and Anxiety

  • Building “Emotional Intelligence”

  • Grief & Loss

  • Traumatic and overwhelming experiences

  • Chronic pain & Illness

  • Identity development

  • Work burnout and work stress

  • Relationships

  • Early stages of severe mental illness

My client’s typically have experiences of or identify as:

  • People who use drugs or have a history of substance use

  • Members of the LGBTQIA+ community

  • Millennial

  • Highly Sensitive People

  • Children of emotionally immature parents

  • High achievers

  • Dysregulated nervous systems

  • Spiritual

  • Past and current trauma

  • Severe mental illness (Bipolar, schizophrenia, OCD, personality disorders)

  • Anti capitalist/social justice advocates