Why This Specialty Exists

Substance use often develops as a way to cope with emotional pain, overwhelming stress, trauma, grief, or other difficult life experiences.

While substances may temporarily reduce distress, they often create additional challenges over time, including strained relationships, shame, isolation, legal or financial problems, and a loss of confidence in yourself.
​
Recovery involves much more than abstinence. It is about understanding the patterns that contributed to substance use, developing healthier ways to cope, rebuilding trust in yourself and others, and creating a meaningful life that supports long-term wellness.

Is This a Good Fit?

I help adults recovering from substance use disorders develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen relationships, rebuild self-trust, and create a life that supports long-term recovery.
Recovery is more than stopping alcohol or drug use. It often involves learning how to manage emotions, repair relationships, rebuild confidence, and respond differently to life's challenges without returning to substances.

✓ Strong Fit Contexts

  • Are beginning recovery after active substance use.

  • Want support maintaining sobriety.

  • Have experienced one or more relapses and want to better understand what contributed to them.

  • Feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, guilt, or shame during recovery.

  • Want to improve relationships affected by substance use.

  • Are adjusting to life without relying on alcohol or drugs to cope.
​
  • Want to better understand the emotional patterns that contributed to substance use.

✗ Not the Right Fit

  • Require medical detoxification.

  • Need inpatient, residential, or intensive outpatient treatment.

  • Are seeking emergency psychiatric care or crisis stabilization.

  • Need court-ordered evaluations or treatment documentation beyond the scope of psychotherapy.

  • Are seeking medication management without therapy.​
​If a higher level of care is appropriate, I can help identify resources that better meet your current needs.

You Might Relate If...

→You feel emotionally overwhelmed without substances.

→You have stopped using but still struggle with old thinking patterns.

→You worry that one difficult day could undo your progress.

→You are trying to rebuild trust with family members.

→You feel ashamed about your past and wonder if life can truly feel different.

→You want recovery to feel like living rather than simply surviving.
​​

Practical Details & Constraints

Format
100% virtual therapy
Payment
This is a private-pay focused service. Select insurance plans (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Oscar) may be accepted for individual outpatient therapy. 
Session Length
50-60 minutes
Session Frequency
Typically weekly at the start, adjusted as clients build stability
Client Participation
Clients are expected to actively practice skills discussed in sessions and take an active role in their recovery.
Location
Florida (primarily). ​South Carolina eligible when permitted — confirmed prior to scheduling

Credentials & Experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with experience working with individuals recovering from substance use disorders. My work focuses on helping adults understand the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns that contribute to substance use while developing practical skills that support long-term recovery.
​
This page is specifically intended for adults who are pursuing or maintaining recovery. It is not intended to provide detoxification, residential treatment, or other higher levels of substance use care.

Therapeutic Approach & Style

How I Work

Clients often describe my approach as compassionate, practical, direct, and collaborative. I believe insight is most useful when it creates meaningful change outside of therapy sessions.
​
Together, we explore the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns that contributed to substance use while building practical skills for managing stress, navigating relationships, reducing shame, and strengthening recovery.

Recovery is not about perfection. It is about building a sustainable life where recovery is supported by healthier choices, stronger relationships, and greater self-understanding.

Evidence-based Tools

I use practical, evidence-based tools to help clients manage guilt and anxiety, set and maintain boundaries, respond more intentionally to addiction-driven dynamics, and strengthen recovery.

Depending on your goals, I may incorporate approaches such as:
CBT
DBT
Gestalt
Mindfulness

​to support recovery and emotional regulation. 

Strong Match Indicators

People who work well with me often:
✓    You want to understand the "why" behind your substance use. 
✓    You are willing to practice new coping skills outside of therapy.
✓    You value accountability combined with compassion.
✓    You want practical tools rather than judgment. 
✓    You are motivated to create lasting lifestyle changes.
✓    You want recovery to become part of a meaningful life rather than simply avoiding relapse.

What Progress Looks Like

While every person's situation is different, clients often notice progress when they:
→   Feel more confident managing difficult emotions.
→   Respond to stress without relying on substances.
→   Develop healthier relationships and communication.
→   Experience fewer shame-driven thoughts.
→   Build confidence after setbacks.
→   Strengthen relapse-prevention strategies.
→   Feel hopeful about their future.

Summary

Recovery is about more than stopping substance use. It is about building a life where you no longer need substances to cope. I help adults understand the patterns behind addiction, strengthen recovery skills, improve relationships, and create a healthier future.
​
Services are provided through secure telehealth for adults located in Florida.​

Next Step

If you are ready to strengthen your recovery and build a life that supports lasting change, I invite you to schedule a consultation to see whether we are a good fit to work together.
← Individuals Navigating Substance Use and Recovery​