About Me

denise headshot.jpg

Hi, I'm Denise and I’m glad you’re here.

I specialize in working with anxious, neurodivergent (questioning or identifying) individuals or parents who are learning to support themselves or their complex, anxious and/or neurodivergent children.

My work has evolved over the years, as a result of both my personal and professional journeys. As I begin my work with any individual, I start with a deep sense of curiosity. I do not assume something is ‘wrong’ with any of the individuals with whom I work- I believe, however, that many of us have tried to live in a world that was not designed for them. I help individuals see the big picture and begin to live lives in a way that feels more authentic.

I work with a lot of parents of neurodivergent children- either on their parenting journeys or on gaining insight into themselves as an individual. Many of the parents with whom I work are neurodivergent themselves and most often, misdiagnosed and misunderstood their whole lives.

My work is strengths based, collaborative and nonjudgmental. While I have a wide range of training, most of my work is informed by trauma informed practices such as Interpersonal Neurobiology, Internal Family Systems and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

Education

  • Bachelors in Psychology and Biology, Susquehanna University

  • Masters of Social Work, UNC Chapel HIll

Licenses

  • North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • South Carolina Clinical Social Worker

Specialized training and professional memberships

  • Selective Mutism Association, member and previous member of Board of Directors

  • National Association of Social Workers, member

  • International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF), member

  • ERP certificate with IOCDF

  • SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Program with Dr Eli Lebowitz at Yale Child Study Center

  • SPACE for ARFID (Parent-based treatment for children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

  • SPACE for FTL (Parent-based treatment for Highly Dependent Adult Children)

  • Theraplay Level One training

  • DIR/Floortime training

  • PDA NA levels 1 and 2 certificate

  • Journeys with PDA and Laura Kirby certificate training

  • Masterclasses on Autism and PDA with Kristy Forbes and Kieran Rose

  • I-CBT with Brittany Goff

  • Yoga teacher training certification

tend along a stream below green mountains

Therapy lingo aside…

I met my partner while rock climbing and we are the parents of two teenagers. I love live music, camping and spoiling our two scruffy rescue dogs. I tend to hyperfocus on finding challenging hiking trails, all things related to neurodiversity and fiber arts. I consider myself a life long learner and am often reading, listening to podcasts or enrolling in trainings.