My qualifications and experience

I hold a bachelor of science (BSc) in Occupational Therapy from Bethlehem University and a Masters in Arts (MA) with a focus on Congregational and Community Care from Luther Seminary in Minnesota. 

As an occupational therapist, my expertise lies in working with children dealing with Autism and developmental challenges. And since 2015, I've been honored to serve as Mental Health Counselor for various respectable community mental health agencies. In this role, I've empowered individuals across diverse age groups and populations, including children, teenagers, young adults, adults, refugees, war survivors, trauma survivors, and the LGBTQ community. 

My experience in the community mental health setting has allowed me to develop my skills in a variety of approaches to support your growth, such as group modalities for peer support and building skills to cope with life's challenges and individual therapy to dive in deeply to support your growth and recovery. 

Other experiences, trainings, and certifications

Over the past decade I have dedicated myself to learning, practicing, and refining a wide range of evidence-based modalities that support growth, healing, and long-term change. My work is rooted in practical tools, clear guidance, and compassionate support – all informed by professional training and years of hands-on experience.

I have trained in and practiced the following approaches:

CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach): 

CETA is a flexible and research-based approach that combines the most effective elements of multiple therapies. It helps me personalize support for stress, trauma, depression, and anxiety.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

CBT focuses on the relationship among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together we identify unhelpful patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It is practical, structured, and empowering.

CBTp (CBT for Psychosis)

CBTp supports individuals in understanding and managing distressing thoughts or perceptions. It strengthens insight, reduces fear, and builds effective coping strategies.

CBTi (CBT for Insomnia)

CBTi is the top non medication treatment for insomnia. It helps reshape sleep habits, reduce night-time anxiety, and restore healthy sleep patterns.

CBT for Depression

This method helps clients understand the cycles that maintain low mood. It teaches tools for shifting negative thinking, rebuilding confidence, and improving emotional balance.

CBT for Anxiety

CBT for anxiety reduces worry, panic, and fear through practical exercises and gradual exposure. Clients learn skills that increase calm and confidence.

CBT for Children’s Behaviors

This approach helps children understand emotions and behaviors while learning skills for self-regulation, communication, and problem solving.

CBT for Parenting

CBT based parenting support gives caregivers tools to reduce challenging behaviors, improve connection, and create calmer and more cooperative homes.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy uses children’s natural language, which is play. Through guided play activities, children process emotions, practice new skills, gain clarity, and work through challenges in a safe and expressive environment. 

Love and Logic

Love and Logic is a compassionate and balanced parenting approach that teaches caregivers to set healthy limits, offer choices, reduce power struggles, and build responsibility through empathy and natural consequences. 

TF-CBT (Trauma Focused CBT)

TF CBT offers a structured and emotionally safe way to heal from trauma. It builds resilience, reduces distress, and restores a sense of stability and empowerment.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

DBT teaches skills for managing emotions, navigating distress, improving relationships, and staying grounded. It is especially helpful for clients with intense or shifting emotions.

MI (Motivational Interviewing)

MI helps clients overcome ambivalence and move toward meaningful change. Through collaborative conversations we strengthen personal motivation, clarity, and confidence.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

PECS supports communication using structured visual tools. It is especially effective for children who benefit from picture based communication to express needs and reduce frustration.

Each modality has shaped the way I support clients – offering structured techniques, practical skill-building, and strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs. My goal is to create a grounded, supportive space where clients feel empowered to understand themselves, shift unhelpful patterns, and move toward the life they want.