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I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in Roanoke, VA who works with individuals, adult families, and couples. I specialize in using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model—a non-pathologizing and compassionate approach to healing.
With compassion, empathy, and understanding, we will unpack the messages you have received throughout your life from family, friends, or society. When we receive certain messages repeatedly over time, we may unconsciously develop critical thoughts or beliefs about ourselves that are harmful to our self-worth. In therapy, I help you consider the way these messages have impacted your self-esteem, and I encourage you to value and accept even the parts of yourself you may be ashamed of.
I believe we all have an innate capacity for healing, and in our work together, I will provide a safe space for you to explore all facets of yourself without judgment. As an online IFS therapist, I can see individual clients or couples from most states. If you are in the Roanoke, VA area I also offer in-person therapy sessions. For more information about my telehealth services, please click here.
Committed to professional growth and training
I’ve been a psychologist in Roanoke, VA for over 20 years, but my interest in psychology began at a young age. My friends jokingly called me “Dr. Jeannie” in middle school because I always wanted to hear about their struggles and tried to help them, “Dear Abby” style. Little did I know that these early experiences would come back to me as an adult! After graduating from college with a degree in English, I discovered my true calling while volunteering at women’s shelters and health clinics. This experience sparked my interest in psychology, leading me to pursue further education and training.
From there, I attended the University of South Carolina and completed my Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology in 1998. There I developed a passion for helping the underserved area of eating disorders, and focused on how early attachment experiences influenced body image and eating patterns. As I delved deeper into research and practice, I realized the profound impact that connection, attachment, and misattunement to self and others have on our well-being and our relationships..
Driven by my dedication to healing relationships, I expanded my expertise to work with couples and families. The IFS model and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) approach that takes the IFS model into couples work are perfectly aligned with my goals, allowing me to merge my two passions and comprehensively support my clients in cultivating healthy relationships.
As a lifelong learner, I actively participate in professional Internal Family Systems consultation groups, focusing on disordered eating, individual issues, and couples/family therapy. As a member of the American Psychological Association, I actively engage with the community to stay informed about the latest educational resources and research; I am dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and being an invaluable resource in the field of psychology.
As an IFS therapist, I bring warmth, genuine engagement, compassion, and calm joyfulness to my work. I am passionate about helping you transform into the “you” that you deserve to be. With a firm belief in the inherent healing capacity within each of us, I work to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
By embracing this philosophical approach to therapy, I can empower you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. My approach connects you with your inherent wisdom, and I will support you in becoming the best version of yourself so you can live a life that aligns with your true essence.
As an online IFS therapist, I can easily provide confidential services to you and your family even if you don’t live in the state of Virginia. Please visit the telehealth page for more information about my online therapy services. I also provide in-person therapy in Roanoke, VA.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I find joy in gardening! I marvel at the interconnectedness of all living things and the miracles that come from those connections. When I putter around the garden, Poppy, our black Labradoodle, is never far behind. She provides “joyful chaos” wherever she goes! Poppy, an unexpectedly large puppy, is the unofficial mascot at my office. Her gentle curiosity and exuberance resonate with some clients, making her a source of comfort during therapy sessions.
A mantra that resonates deeply with me, discovered on a bumper sticker after a traumatic loss, is “Don’t Postpone Joy.” This motto serves as a reminder that the only thing we are guaranteed in life is the current moment we are living. Driven by this philosophy, I strive to create a safe, compassionate space for my clients to empower them to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
I live with the love of my life and our blended family of 4 grown children. When we all come together, there’s joyful chaos and immense happiness. I cherish these moments and appreciate the love that binds us all together.
If you’re drawn to the Internal Family Systems approach and are looking for an online IFS therapist, feel free to reach out! I love being an IFS therapist and feel very honored to walk with my clients on each of their individual healing journeys. To learn more about my approach to therapy and to see if we would be a good fit, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation here or call my office at (540) 915-1508.