Haven Therapeutic Services, PLLC

“When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible.” (Dr. Karyn Purvis) I have always wanted to work with children. In fact, I’ve never considered anything else; it is as if it was imprinted within my soul. After I earned my Masters in Social Work in 1999, I initially thought I’d work in the school systems and I spent three years in a local Head Start classroom. In the meantime, my family pursued an intercountry adoption and it made an indelible impression upon me. I pursued a job in the adoption field and dedicated over 11 years of my life there before I began as a therapist at a local practice in 2012. I appreciate that my role is a wonderful blend of my clinical education and the passion I feel about working with children. My approach largely draws upon Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and as such, is founded on principles that are both trauma-competent and relationally based. You will see that my work tends to be infused with playfulness. Research shows that true healing can happen with our families if we strengthen our relational connections, and this can be most easily achieved through intentional playfulness. I love the work that I do, and consider it a privilege to get to know the families I see. I love doing direct work with children, youth, and families; I am currently offering individual and family sessions in-person or via a secure telehealth platform. I also devote time to conducting professional development trainings and presentations within school systems, churches, conferences, and social service organizations on topics such as trauma, grief/loss, the importance of play, and adoption issues. When I'm *not* in a therapeutic session, you may find me reading or journaling; dancing with my daughter; traveling; or collecting Lego minifigures. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you feel that I can be of service to you!