My Approach

In my 20 plus years working as a master’s level clinician, I have been awed by the diversity of experiences and strengths of those I have had the privilege to work with.

We all go through difficult times in our lives in which we find ourselves stuck and unhappy. It is a part of being human and living life. There is no shame in reaching out for help. In fact, it is a very courageous thing to do.

Nurturing Transformation through Therapy and Genuine Support

What frequently brings people to therapy is recognizing that the way they have always done things doesn’t work so well now. We have to let go of our ways of doing things in order to change and that can be really scary. I get that. And I’m here to help and hold confidence that things can be different.

I hope you will feel my genuine empathy and respect for your decision to enter therapy. We are all on a life long journey of self discovery, myself included.

Technique

The roots of my approach come from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths Based/Solution Focused, and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). I use IFS and EMDR primarily.

I find that using both approaches together helps us better understand and appreciate what has caused your concerns. It also helps process memories so you can feel more present and connected to your true self.

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

“There’s a part of me that wants to change, but a part of me doesn’t”: Most people come to therapy with some conflicted feelings. This approach looks non-judgmentally at the reasons we feel stuck and works with these parts of ourselves to find a workable resolution. When we are open to exploring ourselves more fully, we begin to feel more self aware and able to be more present.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR addresses a whole range of disorders including phobias, depression, panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, poor self image, stress, worry, and recovering from sexual abuse and traumatic incidents. You can learn more about it on my FAQ page. One of the things I love about this approach is it allows the right conditions for the brain to heal itself, which it naturally just knows how to do.

About Meg

  • Bachelors in Social Work, Siena College, 1999

    Masters in Social Work, Catholic University of America, 2002

    Therapist and Clinical Director at SOME (So Others Might Eat), Behavioral Health Department for Mental Health and Addictions program for the Homeless of DC, 2002-2012

    Private Practice, 2012-Present

  • Intensive Basic EMDR Training, Washington, DC, 2010

    Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) -Level 1 Training, Washington DC, 2019

    Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) -Level II Deepening & Expanding Training, 2023

    Ongoing Professional Consultation in EDMR and IFS

    Licensed to practice as an LCSW and LICSW in VA and DC respectively.

  • Member, NASW

    Member, EMDRIA

    I am a clinical provider through Headstrong Project, a 501c3 Nonprofit, providing mental health treatment for Veterans

    2023 Best of Alexandria Award for Psychotherapist by the Alexandria Award Program

 Let’s Talk

I offer a free 15 minute consultation to talk about the work you want to do and see if I might be a good fit for you.