My Background
I received my undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Psychology, and obtained my graduate degree, a Masters of Social Work (MSW), from Columbia University. Over the course of my academic and professional career, spanning over 15 years, I have gained a rich experience working at the United Nations, a Domestic Violence Shelter, a Mentorship program for inner-city youth, a Transitional Living Center and Drop-In Shelter for the homeless, as well as counseling within the education system for over 10 years.
Training in Evidenced Based Practices: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) & Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
I believe that continued professional education and development is vital to affording those I serve with up-to-date care. The following is a partial list of professional courses, seminars and trainings I’ve attended:
2018 Integrating Mindfulness into Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
2018 SMART Recovery Certificate
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
2017 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
UMass Medical School Center for Mindfulness
2017 REBT Training for Coaches
Soor Center – Professional Therapy & Assessment
2014 ASIST 11 Certificate- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Center for Suicide Prevention
2014 Domestic Violence Specialist-I Certification
National Anger Management Association (NAMA)
2014 Anger Management Specialist-I Certification
National Anger Management Association (NAMA)
2013 Advanced Certificate Practicum in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Albert Ellis Institute (AEI)
2013 Primary Certificate Practicum in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Albert Ellis Institute (AEI)
2011 Depression and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adler (TAPE) Continuing Educational Services
2011 Anxiety and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adler (TAPE) Continuing Educational Services
2011 Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adler (TAPE) Continuing Educational Services
Workshops
As a practitioner I often facilitate psychoeducational workshops that teach the science behind the "thinking-feeling connection." During these workshops, participants gain insight into the thinking-feeling connection, learn how to improve their thoughts in order to improve their mental, emotional and physical health.
Previous Presentations (partial list)
2018 "The Stress-Burnout Relationship: Enhancing Resiliency and Emotional Control in Educators"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
2018 “Emotional Insights & Skills for Effective Leaders” (EEISL)
Islamic Family & Social Services Association (IFSSA)
2017 "Enhancing Teacher Performance Through Emotional Self-Care"
Professional Educators Around Kuwait (PEAK) - Kuwait
2017 "Enhancing Teacher Performance Through Emotional Self-Care"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
2016 "Enhancing Teacher Performance Through Emotional Self-Care"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
2014 "Essentials: The Essentials for Emotional Self-Care"
Professional Educators Around Kuwait (PEAK) - Kuwait-(Ajial)
2014 "Essentials: The Essentials for Emotional Self-Care"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
2014 "Mind Over Mood: The Essentials for Emotional Self-Care"
Tarjuma - Canada
2014 "Mind Over Mood: The Essential for Emotional Self-Care"
Convert Connect - Canada
2014 "Mind Over Mood: The Essential for Emotional Self-Care"
The Madina Institute - United States
2014 "The Intersection of REBT and Pastoral Care"
Tarjuma - Canada
2014 "An Introduction to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)"
Tarjuma- Canada
2013 "An Introduction to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
2011 "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Thinking-Feeling Connection"
Learning Opportunities for Teachers (LOFT) - Kuwait
*If you or your group or organization would like to arrange a workshop then do not hesitate to contact me.
**These workshops are not group therapy sessions. I do not recommend my workshops, presentations or psycho-education sessions as a replacement for professional mental and emotional health treatment and/or individual therapy. If you are experiencing serious mental and emotional difficulties I advise you to contact a professional mental health practitioner.
