I am a psychotherapist based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an online counseling and coaching practice for individuals and couples that reaches across the globe.
I use cognitive restructuring, psychodynamic, and solution focused modalities to create a safe and empowering atmosphere in which people can be supported in their efforts to change and grow, as well as reconnect with their strengths and goals.
I have unique perspective and experience working with immigrants and children of immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, drawing on my own journey as an immigrant.
My work with couples focuses on intercultural, interracial, and LGBTQ relationships.
I am a firm believer in the importance of a holistic atmosphere that supports and reinvigorates the body-mind connection.
After working as a massage therapist for 18 years, I became a psychotherapist in 2004. I love working as both a massage therapist and a psychotherapist because it allows me to connect with clients through two different, but symbiotic, avenues of healing. While I don’t see the same clients for both massage and psychotherapy work, my interdisciplinary training and experience inform both practices.
Background
I have been working with adults and families in private practice, outpatient, and inpatient settings for 20 years.
My clinical experience includes work with clients from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
My inpatient experience includes interventions with pediatric and adult patients and their families at the University of Michigan Hospital.
My outpatient experience includes crisis intervention, individual and group counseling with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence at SAFE House, and dual diagnosis counseling at Home of New Vision and Delonis Center, providing individual and group psychotherapy for adults struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
For the past 9 years I’ve been in private practice.
In 2021 I added life coaching services to my practice, based on what I’ve learned working with graduate students, people at inflection points in their careers, and navigating personal and professional goals and relationships.
In addition to English, I have a working understanding of German, Amharic and Tigrinya.
Treatment Areas Include
Anxiety
Depression
Self-esteem
Relationship Issues
Adjustment/Life transition issues
Trauma and PTSD
LGBTQ issues
Addiction issues
Oppression and Discrimination
Sexual Assault
Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence
Unemployment/Homelessness
Grief and Loss
Intercultural Couples
Education
MSW, University of Michigan
Masters in Social Work, Interpersonal Practice and Mental Health
EMT, Huron Valley Ambulance
Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate
LMT, Potomac Massage Therapy Institute
Massage Therapy Certification
BA, Bowling Green State University
Political Science and International Relations