Liana (pronouns she/her) is a graduate student pursuing her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in clinical counseling at VCU. She is looking forward to supporting individuals and families with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self esteem, body image, trauma, and eating disorders. Liana works with adolescents and adults and is LGBTQ affirming. She practices from a holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach and incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Liana's previous career as a Registered Dietitian led her to pursue her MSW as she began to recognize her passion for providing therapy. Her experience as an RD treating eating disorders and disordered eating since 2013 has afforded her a unique perspective that informs her work as a therapist. Working in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitalizations, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient Liana has gained experience with children, adolescents and adults. As a dietitian, Liana uses a non-diet approach with an intuitive eating nutrition philosophy and is aligned with Health at Every Size (HAES) principles, and she plans to carry these perspectives into her work as a therapist. Liana also has experience using Family Based Treatment- informed care with adolescents and their families.
In her free time, Liana enjoys exploring the local food and beverage scene, nature walks, playing piano, and visiting her nieces and nephews.
Liana will be practicing under the supervision of Kristin Dahland, LCSW.
Education:
Master of Social Work- Virginia Commonwealth University 2023 candidate
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics - Eastern Illinois University 2016
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition- Johnson & Wales University 2013
Associates in Culinary Arts - Johnson & Wales University 2012
Licenses/Certifications:
Registered Dietitian in Virginia and Licensed in Maryland: 86000206 - Commission on Dietetic Registration