Desperate Enough to Dare
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCES
April 2024
Traumatic Grief: Neuroscience-Based Therapy
Kate Truitt, Ph.D.
Flash Technique for Trauma: Rapid Trauma Processing
Philip Manfield, Ph.D. and Lewis Engel, Ph.D.
IFS Model in Couples Therapy
Mona Barbera, Ph.D.
February 2021
Story Workshop on Racial Trauma
The Allender Center
October 2020 to May 2024
Certificate Program in Old Testament &
Certificate Program in New Testament
Reformed Theological Seminary - Washington, D.C.
February 2018 to May 2019
Training Certificate Training II
The Allender Center
October 2016 to June 2017
Interpersonal Neurobiology and Spiritual Formation
Curt Thompson, M.D.
September 2013 to May 2016
Associate Teaching Director
Community Bible Study
November 2012 to April 2013
Advanced Counseling Certificate Program
The Allender Center
October 2012 to Febrary 2013
Core Skills Advanced Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Washington Baltimore Center for EFT
March 2012
Abuse Helpers Training, Working Effectively with Long-Term Issue of Sexual Abuse: Dissociative Disorders, PTSD, and Spiritual and Relational Disruption
Dan B. Allender, Ph.D. and Gina Waggoner, M.A.
March 2011
Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Washington Baltimore Center for EFT
COUNSELING SPECIALTIES
Relationship Issues (premarital/engaged, marital, family)
Attachment Issues
Abuse and Trauma
Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Depression
Co-occurring Issues (addictions and mental health)
Racial and Cultural Issues
Consulting to Asian American ministries (local churches)
PREPARE/ENRICH
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Gospel Centered
ABOUT ME
I graduated from the University of Toronto, Canada with BA Honors in Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy (1999) and Master of Social Work (2001). I have over 20 years of clinical experience. and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia.
I am certified with Prepare/Enrich (prepare-enrich.com), a comprehensive couple assessment and utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in my work with couples. I also apply psychotherapy methods taught by The Allender Center (Dan Allender) when engaging stories of trauma and abuse.
I have worked in various therapeutic settings including working with the adult population at a community mental health center in Fairfax County and I worked with adults and adolescents and their families at INOVA Fairfax Hospital providing medical social work.
In May 2008, I opened Emmaus Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC to offer gospel-centered therapy.
When I am not in the office, I find delight in doing something creative, watching sports with my family, and sharing personal reflections through writing and speaking.