About Me

Hi, I'm Denise and I’m glad you’re here.

Selective Mutism of the Carolinas was founded with a mission to provide advocacy, education and evidence-based treatment for Selective Mutism, OCD and other anxiety disorders. I am a clinical social worker by training and my journey as a parent has significantly impacted my approach. I am particularly passionate about helping families whose children or adolescents are struggling with anxiety. I have over 20 years experience working in many mental health settings, from schools to clinics to hospitals.

My work has significantly evolved over the years, as a result of both my personal and professional journeys. I used to work solely from a behavioral (‘fix it’) approach and would focus on changing a specific behavior without appreciating the whole child. There are situations (for example, certain presentations of Selective Mutism) in which a behavioral approach yields effective outcomes for families and I use that approach as I see fit for each family.

There are many times, however, when it’s really important to look beyond a specific behavior. Some individuals may fit a neurodivergent profile (including but not limited to ADHD, Autism, trauma or overall a highly sensitive nervous system with no specific diagnosis). While I do not provide neurodiverse diagnosis, I have broadened my training to include comprehensive approaches that embrace this neurotype and work from a ‘bottom up’ approach understanding of a child. This bottom up approach often utilizes the brain based research of Stephen Porges and Deb Dana (Polyvagal Theory) and the relational approach of DIR/Floortime.