Hi! I'm April

I believe our lives are woven from the threads of storied experiences, each shaping who we are and how we construct meaning. My counseling philosophy promotes healing and transformation with a belief in every person’s capacity for flourishing, supported by acceptance, safety, and belonging.

 

My perspective is shaped by trauma recovery, chronic illness, and parenting in a blended family, alongside a professional background in bioethics, narrative medicine, and a career as a writer, editor, and publisher. As a queer and neurodivergent clinician, I bring both personal experience and professional training to affirming care for LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and families.

 

My trauma-focused approach is grounded in Narrative Therapy and complemented by expressive arts, mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and DBT skills. With children, I use a developmental, child-centered approach to play and Sand Tray therapies, and I offer EMDR as a resource for trauma recovery. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, birth and medical trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, and sexual trauma.

 

Creating a safe and inclusive space is central to my work. I am committed to survivors of rape, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal harm, and I honor the cultural, racial, and personal narratives clients bring. As a survivor myself, I approach therapy with reflection, humility, and openness, walking alongside clients in their healing.

 

Originally from Tennessee, I now live in North Carolina with my spouse and blended family. I hold graduate degrees from William & Mary and Yale Divinity School and undergraduate degrees from Eckerd College.