In 2007, I fell in love with treating trauma survivors, and I’ve never looked back. In my work, I help patients who are ready to take the necessary steps to make a positive change. It is an honor to be part of this healing process and to help people reclaim their lives.

But, be warned: I’ve been nicknamed “The Velvet Hammer” by previous colleagues and patients! (Don’t worry, they lived to joke about it.). Please know that if you join me for PTSD treatment we are going to DO THE DAMN THING. I see therapy as a change agent, meaning I’m not here to help you maintain your symptoms. I’m here to help you squash them.

You know all those painful images, dark thoughts, and overwhelming guilt and shame? I’m happy to get in there with you and deal with the tough stuff. My job is to help you get the most out of your treatment. When you are finished with PTSD treatment I want you to know you got everything out of your work with me. And don’t worry, there will be laughs along the way! (I may or may not have a soft hammer in my office gifted to me by a former colleague.)

Now for the stuff that makes me qualified to do what I do. Before I became a PTSD therapist here in Cincinnati, OH, I earned a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2006. I graduated with a focus in clinical social work, specializing in mental health. Today, I am independently licensed and am the founder of Thrive Therapy Inc.

After grad school, I worked at the University of Cincinnati in a very broad therapy practice. This provided a wide range of experiences, but in 2007 I realized I wanted to specialize in trauma work. So, I joined the Cincinnati Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC) treating PTSD in the Trauma Recovery Center. It was here tha I had the opportunity to train under and work with many of the brightest minds in the trauma and PTSD world.

My experience in trauma and PTSD work is varied. I treat adult female and male patients with both military and non-military related trauma. In my work, I provide effective PTSD treatments for first-responders, combat-related trauma survivors, sexual assault survivors, child sexual abuse survivors, childhood trauma survivors, traumatic loss, as well as any other type of trauma you may have endured. Over the years, I’ve co-led and been a therapist for residential programs for men, women, and patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). Additionally, I have been involved with PTSD-related research as part of my professional resume.

I have provider status and extensive experience in several Evidence Based Practices (EBPs), meaning these things are well researched and have proven effectiveness for PTSD. Further, I specifically provide Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and DBT skills training. Additionally, I serve as a consultant for providers working toward CPT and/or PE certification.