Therapists

At the core of every human being is the need to belong.  This need drives individuals to find others like them or their “special someone” that they can share life with, build something greater than themselves, and perhaps even raise children to leave a legacy behind them.  With the world becoming more accessible through travel and technology, we have more opportunities than ever before to connect and find our place to belong, yet loneliness and isolation are on the rise. It does not have to be this way. Intentionally seeking out therapy can be the first step towards connection, validation, and helping your family move from isolation and disconnection to health and wholeness.

As a Marriage and Family therapist, I believe that health is found in the context of relationships. When families are struggling, there are times when they need a safe space to express and process their experiences and pain. Family therapy provides an environment where each family member can unpack the difficult parts of life to make room for growth and a new, more hopeful experience.

Oftentimes, I hear from families that their situation is unique - so uncommon, that they do not believe anyone else can understand what they are facing.  I remember having this thought growing up in another cultural context halfway around the world from where I was born.  However, I have found that therapy can be valuable for families in uniquely challenging situations such as the one I experienced.  For example, with families who are raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs - individuals who grew up in another cultural context outside of their birthplace’s passport nation), where many aspects of life can feel unfamiliar, there is an underlying core need that is common among families. We all need healthy family connections to provide a stable base from which to explore the world.  I believe that families can thrive in any situation if they have stable, reliable connections.

I also enjoy helping couples build strong relationships to weather the storms of life. In couple’s therapy, we can create deeper connections that foster intimacy, comfort, and safety, rather than strife.

As a formative mentor of mine, Dr. Van Dyke, told me: “You’re either succeeding, or you’re learning.”  In therapy, together we will explore areas where your family would like to grow, not from a place of shame and failure, but from a place of strength and growth. 

Getting to Know Me

I was born in New York State, and moved with my family to Central Asia when I was eight years old. After high school, I returned to the US for my college education, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in “Human Development and Family Science” from Messiah University in Pennsylvania.

My introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) happened through a collegiate course, which sparked my desire to help bring healing to families in a holistic and systemic way. This prompted my pursuit of a master’s degree in MFT, where I have come to believe that the most enduring healing happens in the context of relationships. 

At The MFT Clinic, I work under the supervision of both Dr. Wendy Smith, PsyD, and Jessica Drachenberg, LMFT. My therapeutic approach includes exploring how you are feeling both internally and within the wider context of your relationships. Together, we will explore how to create opportunities for healing and growth in the many contexts of your life.