Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
As an alumna of Gallaudet University and a former educator of the D/deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH), I have been a hearing member in the Deaf community since 2005. My dissertation research focused on sexual assault disclosure among Deaf women and I commit much of my clinical work to supporting survivors of trauma both in an out of D/HH community. Working in the D/HH community is an important part of my personal and professional identity. I recognize that access to therapy in the D/HH community can be hard to find and I value providing therapeutic support and clinical expertise in this community. I do not pretend or claim to know, however, what it is like to be in your shoes. You are and will always be your own expert. I look forward to partnering with you to help guide you towards a life that is meaningful. It is important to recognize that although someone’s identity in the D/HH community may hold significant importance, exploring intersecting identities is often paramount to learning more about oneself and values. Whether or not you are dealing with current life stressors, past trauma/distress or grief, or are facing significant road blocks towards your future, I am confident that we can work together towards your goals.
Military.
As a former VA employee with a solid and in depth training experiences in the veteran community, I value working with both veterans and active duty service members. Whether or not you are facing trauma-related struggles, relationship stress, anxiety, depression, anger issues, or non-military related emotional pain, having a therapist who is familiar with the military setting can make all the difference. As a civilian myself, I may not have walked in your shoes, and my experience working with veterans has afforded me an invaluable understanding of this community’s needs.