I am excited to be co-facilitating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills groups for adolescents at The Peaceful Place. I know from four years of experience leading these groups that they provide invaluable life skills that give young people greater self-confidence and help them feel more in control of their lives. I am passionate about helping adolescents of all ethnicities, genders, and sexualities develop the skills they need to create lives worth living.

 

From my experience working with youth, I know that, even though social media tends to depict that people they know are doing great, the reality is, everyone is struggling with something. This may be depression, anxiety, isolation, a desire to self-harm, or suicidal ideation. Dealing with societal or academic pressures, or relationships with parents, friends, teachers, or classmates can also be challenging.

 

The good news is, this is not a group where you will be expected to talk about all of your struggles. Instead, it is a place where you will learn skills that equip you to deal with your challenges. In group, you will develop various skills for dealing with the emotions that come up when navigating life’s inevitable stressors. DBT teaches us why we have emotions, how they can help us, and how to not judge ourselves when they arise. You will learn how to celebrate yourself as you explore your personal values and work on discovering and honoring what brings you joy.

 

Two of my personal values are having fun and being part of a community. I personally have fun with my community of friends, attending concerts and music festivals, Atlanta United games, and Zumba classes. Professionally, I incorporate these values into every group I lead or co-facilitate. We have fun in lots of different ways—like doing mindfulness games at the start of the group and brainstorming silly scenarios for using new skills. We create a micro community—a safe space where group members feel included and accepted.

 

If you think this group could be a good fit for you, have your parent or guardian reach out to me to learn more!

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Credentials

 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Georgia – CSW008191

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Master of Social Work – Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, GA

 

Intensively DBT Trained

 

Level 2 RO DBT Trained