Although your treatment is about you, not about me, I think it might help you to know a little bit about me, to begin to have a sense of who I am and what I care about.
I believe that my ability to work effectively with people of many different ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds comes in large part from my life experiences and interests, and because I have a genuine curiosity to know more about my fellow travelers.
You are my fellow travelers.

• I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I have been in private practice since 1992. I graduated from college with a BA in Art History and English, but I eventually gravitated towards the more interpersonal work of guidance and counseling. 
  
• I received a MSEd in community counseling in the late '70s. By the 80s, I realized that I wanted to continue my education so I went back to school to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. I was a bit of a "late bloomer", being one of the older members in my class at the University of Tennessee, but once I completed my degree and started practicing outpatient therapy, I knew I had found my niche.
  
• Although I am a Yankee by birth, I have lived in the south for over half of my life. I love the vitality, the educational opportunities, and the cultural diversity that living in metro Atlanta provides.
  
• My professional interests include working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety and other mood destabilizing factors. I work with couples, and although most couples do come in and say "Our marriage is in trouble because of his/her narcissism, depression, bipolar disorder" et cetera, oftentimes there are underlying clinical issues that can have a direct impact on the stability of the relationship. I believe there are far more similarities than differences in couple dynamics regardless of whether they are just forming a new relationship, have been together for years, are married, not married, or are gay or lesbian. All of these relationships may be affected by bereavement, adoption, emotional or other forms of abuse, substance use or abuse, finances, infidelity, unemployment job dissatisfaction, or different opinions about parenting.
  
• I am knowledgeable about diagnosing and coaching adults with ADD/ADHD, have experience helping people struggling with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), and frequently work to help individuals see how they may be trying to solve someone else's problems as a means of avoiding their own.
  
• Many people wrestle with career or job issues and want to talk about the fear of making a change "after 40". Here I see myself as someone who lead by example for I know that positive change and increased satisfaction in life can come at any age. I absolutely believe that one is never too old to change.