Why prioritize military?
For me, it's simple.
I have spent the last 14 years married to a former Marine (I am ready for the crayon jokes) and have interacted with military members, veterans, and their families through internships and employment at Walter Reed Hospital (both at the Army campus and the Bethesda Naval campus) since I was 15 years old.
I was married to my husband when he toured in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and am familiar with the amazing community and sense of family the military provides. I am also very aware of the places where service members can unfortunately fall through the cracks of the military medical system.
Obtaining my independent licensure as a social worker as well as the ability to practice in some of the places with significant military and veteran populations (Colorado, Texas, and West Virginia) has afforded me the opportunity to provide those in need with quality mental health care in the civilian world.
Winning hearts and minds!
It's not easy to let someone in...
Trust me, I know. A lot of what I provide to my clients is based on my experience as a patient. I've been on your "side of the couch" and I know the fear of vulnerability. My priority is creating a space where you can tell me when I'm wrong, if you feel like I'm not a good match for you, and where we can work together to build a foundation of genuine trust. A safe therapeutic relationship must be the foundation for the work that it accomplished in therapy. I'm not afraid to hear about myself from you, even if your thoughts are less than favorable - I've got thick skin and while I'm not here to be a punching bag, I'm not afraid of what darkness, anger, or fear looks like.
Not only do I hold a certification in working with military and veteran populations, but I also just feel at ease around military culture. You won't have to explain every acronym, every experience to me. I will laugh at your dark humor. I will tease you for having to sweep up the sunlight on the sidewalk. I have seen "not PT" PT on a black flag day. I do love white Monsters, but order my Echelons online. It's the little things.