For many of us, it has been a significantly challenging few years. Wide spread grief across the nation due to multiple factors has taken a toll on mental health and overall everyday functioning. Old traumas have resurfaced and the needs of family, friends, colleagues, jobs, pets, partners in addition to supporting our own mental health needs can feel exhausting, an unclimbable hill if you will. It is a lot. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I am licensed in Maine and before joining BetterHelp, I worked in multiple schools throughout Maine and Massachusetts as a clinical social worker. This involved a lot of work with family systems and support to parents/caregivers/guardians. It also involved support to teachers and outside providers, discussing compassion fatigue, boundaries, adapted approaches to meet specific needs, and sometimes being a trusted ear to vent to. I have specific training in Trauma Systems Therapy which focuses on an individual’s emotional needs as well as the social environment in which the individual lives and functions in. It is a holistic approach that I find helps create the fullest picture of a person’s life so we are able to assess areas for strengthening and areas that are protective factors for the individual. My goal is to create a space that is yours, truly yours. I believe that you are the expert of your story. If this is your first time working with a therapist it will be a pleasure to work with you and I am excited for our journey. Congratulations to you for taking this first big step! If you are returning to therapy I would love to know what has been helpful and maybe what hasn’t been so helpful. Creating a safe environment with trust and understanding are key elements of the work we will be doing. I aim to lay the foundation for a strong trusting nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that is safe for all. I know that this can be an uncomfortable experience. I want you to know I am here with you and I appreciate your willingness to consider my support as we explore methods that best meet your needs.