Hey and Welcome.
I’m Hope.
Some things about me.
I consider it my vocational calling to support folks through their journeys to heal, grow, survive, and thrive in the aftermath of stressful or painful life experiences. I truly believe that, while trauma and adversity are common, healing and resiliency are always possible.
I specialize in, and deeply enjoy, working with twentysomethings and young adults. Your twenties can be a vibrant, dynamic, and overwhelming decade of life. For many, these years can be full of transitions, adjustments, changes, and loss. If you are struggling, know that you are worthy and deserving of support. Together we will collaborate to make this first chapter of adulthood a time of great healing, growth, opportunity, and empowerment. We can overcome any challenge in life, so long as we are not alone. Respectfully, and with humility and humor, I am here to be your coach, mentor, guide, and sounding board to help you along your way.
Whatever you are experiencing, know that we always have power, resources, and options. You being here and reading this, proves it.
More About Me
I am a cisgender, straight, white woman (she/her) and RVA native. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to be an affirming and competent ally to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identified folks, as well as to members of other oppressed or marginalized groups. I have professional training and experience in providing culturally competent services to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identified folks.
What else. . .
When I’m not wearing my ‘therapist hat,’ I enjoy . . .
practicing yoga
hiking in the mountains
home decorating
eating good food
listening to podcasts and my personally curated playlists
running around RVA’s beautiful parks and neighborhoods
making people I love laugh
travel planning
spending time with my family
seasonal fruit picking
Also, I’m a Taurus/Aries cusp and turquoise is my power color. Mountains, over beaches. Fall is my favorite time of year. I’ve lived in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Uruguay. I’ve also traveled around Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, Italy, and Greece. I love having a job that allows me to connect with folks from all different walks of life. Everyone has a story. Let’s honor yours.
Education & Professional License
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License #0904009767
Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014
Bachelor of Arts (BA), International Studies & History, Guilford College, 2008
I can’t remember a time in life when I didn’t feel a strong desire to advocate for those in need. I started volunteering at a homeless shelter during my freshman year in college in 2004 and I have been in the social work field ever since. For over a decade, I have provided therapy to children, teens, and adults. I have over 15 years of experience in supporting trauma survivors and individuals struggling with their mental health in private practice, outpatient, residential, in-home, school, community, and court settings. I have training and experience in providing the following forms of therapy:
· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
· Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy
· Internal Family Systems Therapy
· Polyvagal Informed-Therapy
· Motivational Interviewing
· Dialectical Behavior Therapy
· Sand Tray and Sand Play Therapy
· Child-Centered and Integrated Play Therapy
Outside of my formal training and experience, my primary approach as a therapist is to sit, and be fully present, with you and what you are bringing to the table. I’m here to be your witness, not your judge. A facilitator, not fixer. A hand-holder, not a rescuer. Regardless of my professional expertise, you are the expert in your own experiences. I’m just here to bridge the disconnects and connect the remaining dots. You’re already whole and good enough, in case you’ve forgotten.