Resume

Licensed Professional Counselor (2005)

National Board Certification (2004)

MA Counseling Psychology (2002)

Immaculata University

BA English Literature/Journalism (1982)

Louisiana State University

Certification in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory (2020)

Clinical Experience:

Private Practice (2005-present)

Outpatient Therapist (2001-2005)

Holcomb Behavioral Health, Exton, PA

Springfield Psychological, Exton, PA

Student Assist. consultant (2002-2008)

Holcomb Behavior Health, Exton, PA

About me

The first thing to know about me is that I am from Louisiana. I have lived in the northeast for nearly 40 years now - but can’t - or won’t - discard an accent that brings me home every time someone asks where I am from. Home to the bayou, warm (actually, very hot) weather, and incredible food.

I have enjoyed two careers - as a journalist since my senior year in high school - then now as a therapist since the age of 42 when I graduated with my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. First official job was in Lafayette, LA as the Acadiana Parishes reporter for three years in the mid-80s. I moved on to Beaumont, TX to concentrate on feature writing. I was there for two years before I met my New Jersey born husband who was on a two year work assignment in Beaumont. I jumped at the chance for love and a byline in a big city newspaper when his stint was done after nabbing a reporting job with the Philadelphia Inquirer in its South Jersey bureau.

After getting married and finding out we were expecting, I opted to try freelancing. I concentrated on writing and publishing newsletters for the local power company (PSE&G), the National Wildlife Federation in D.C., and other writing and editing assignments as they came in, including steady work with the Wilmington News Journal in Delaware.

Through all the years, a calling to psychotherapy was always present. So it was back in a classroom at University of Delaware taking undergraduate Psychology courses when my son turned three. I then finished at the United States International University in Mexico City, Mexico, six years later after another transfer for my husband 1996 - 1999.

Back in the states, I started postgraduate work at Immaculata University and finished in 2002. In 2005, I opened a private practice in Chadds Ford, PA. I opened a second office in Philadelphia about 10 years later. Then in 2019 I closed the Chadds Ford office and settled full-time in Philly, including moving into a high rise apartment with my husband.

I returned to journalism several years ago when I began blogging for the Philadelphia Inquirer’s on-line health section from various conferences I was attending such as the American Psychological Association and the Renfrew Center Eating Disorders Foundation.

I continue to pursue knowledge and expertise as a psychotherapist, a journalist and as a human being.