Pursuing therapy is not easy for most of us. You’ll find me an authentic, dynamic, and sometimes humorous partner in sorting out the concerns that brought you to therapy. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease in the often difficult process of trusting someone with understanding the challenges you are facing. I see therapy as a conversation, so I am committed to being an active, open, and compassionate listener, who also welcomes feedback when I am “getting it” and when I am not. And though I may be trained and “know stuff”, I think it is the feeling of being heard that makes therapy a helpful experience. Accepting help figuring things out can be uncomfortable, so I’m a pretty down to earth person who knows that we all share in the need for help now and then. And below you will see a photo of my Westie, Ginsburg, who you will often see in sessions.

I am a cisgender white Jewish queer woman (she, her, hers) who has been an active part of the queer community for 40 years. I had the unique experience growing up with two parents who were social workers, including growing up in a summer camp. This rich experience shaped me; teaching me creativity, resourcefulness and a deep appreciation for people from all over the globe. My mother was vocal and active in fighting for human rights, including abortion rights, civil rights, and protesting the war in Vietnam. When possible she took me to these events; not just telling me her beliefs, but showing me her commitment to standing up for people and how to put that commitment into action.

These experiences engendered in me a sense of responsibility for speaking and acting to further the rights and well being of those in the community, particularly those who are marginalized. I value and support the brave activists who participate in furthering equality, justice and human rights in their’s and other’s communities, and make a commitment to providing a safe place for activists to share the existential concerns they may be experiencing in this scary time in history.

Professionally, I have been a licensed clinical social worker providing child and family counseling for over 25 years, helping adults, kids and families through the different challenges of life. I received an undergraduate degree in sociology, human sexuality, and gender and women’s studies, and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) at UNC at Chapel Hill. I earned my license as a clinical social worker (LCSW) in 2000. For over 35 years, my studies and experience, including volunteer work, have been in the areas of understanding and supporting people’s exploration of sexuality and gender.

I was the Advocacy Chair at the NC Society for Clinical Social Work for about two years, and now serve as Clinical Advocate, with the NASW-NC; participating in and advocating for the needs of clinical social workers and those who seek psychotherapy services at statewide committees to enhance treatment services to those in NC. Originally from the NY/NJ area, I have resided in and been providing counseling and psychotherapy services in Raleigh for more than 25 years. For more information about my experience, especially with kids, families and the LGBTQ+ community, you can resume here.

Contributing Expert to News & Observer’s Mom 2 Mom