About Me
As a counselor I believe that every individual has limitless potential. It is my intention to help individuals define and explore their strengths. People come to me with stories of suffering. My aim is to hear and honor that story while simultaneously helping the teller recognize his or her innate resilience and power to make choices in the present and future chapters of their life story. My aim is to empower individuals to consciously take responsibility and control over their lives wherever possible.
Initially, sometimes it is just too painful for individuals to even dare wish that their lives may improve. Because I full-heartedly know that no matter what the circumstance there is always a way to diminish heartache I hold hope for my clients when they cannot hold it for themselves. Until they can begin to imagine a more desirable existence I believe in this for them. Inevitably, clients are independently able to envision the life that they want to create for themselves. Transformations then occur as individuals develop positive visions and fulfilling lives
After earning an M.A. in Child, Couple, and Family Therapy, I have worked with Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare and in private practice. Through a special Greater Lakes program I work in the schools with adolescents and teens who struggle with depression, academic performance issues, family matters, surviving abuse, development of identity and self-esteem, eating disorders, and self-mutilation. Many of my school based clients have parents that have been or are currently deployed overseas. This experience has intimately acquainted me with the multiple stressors faced by military families today
I began working with children 17 years ago as an educator and facilitator in educational theatre. I toured Washington schools with Holocaust Survivors, teaching children about the dangers of hatred and prejudice. I also co-founded a sexual abuse prevention educational theatre company called T.A.L.K Theatre (Take Action Listen to Kids). It informed students, through the use of dramatic presentations and post-play discussion, about personal safety and sexual abuse. In addition, I worked for a law enforcement agency as a Special Assault Unit Liason. I also worked as a guardian ad litem.
Before becoming a therapist I completed a year of law school. After debating about a career in law or psychology I grew to understand that law was not my calling, and I am best suited to serve my community outside of the courtroom. However, the year of legal studies continues to be invaluable in my work.
In addition to my continuing work with Greater Lakes and in schools, I believe in the power of individual therapy and want to make it available and accessible to people motivated to create better lives for themselves and their families. I believe that growing to know ourselves is key in the process of living full lives.
We each face challenges, losses, and sometimes regrets for what we have or have not done. Although difficult, we can make meaning out of our suffering. We can be propelled forward, stronger than before because of what we survive.
In addition to individual therapy, restoring balance to families is a passion of mine. Having raised a blended family, I am well aware of the complexities facing the modern family. I believe it takes courage for families to engage in therapy. It can be difficult to acknowledge the need for an outsider to mediate and bridge connections. I recognize the tenderness and vulnerability involved in this process. It is imperative that all family members are respected and heard in my office. I create a safe environment while we strive to improve communication and establish familial peace.
I approach therapy from an eclectic perspective, drawing on a variety of healing modalities and applying those which are most appropriate and comfortable to the individual.