About Me
I think I was born to be a therapist because even as a young girl, I was fascinated by people, and always loved to help. Some of my earliest memories are of times I helped someone - often standing up to class bullies in defense of certain friends who were considered different and were picked on. I have always been the type of person that friends, family, and clients could count on to listen without judgment. As a therapist, I can listen quietly when needed, but I also am interactive when necessary. I don’t just sit there like a log; I jump in and get involved in the process.
I am spiritually aware and connected. I am not religious, but I was raised with religion, and so I understand how that can impact people’s lives. I am a compassionate, empathetic person, helping you find blind spots, address traumas and suggest practical tools to help you overcome any blocks. I love helping people and am passionate about working with individuals to help strengthen their sense of power, control, and hope in their lives.
In my spare time, I like spending time with my children and family, reading, writing, being in and enjoying nature. I enjoy playing with my cats and working in my garden.
When I was a child, I was told I asked too many questions, which is perfect now because I get to ask questions for a living! I was fascinated and curious about people and wanted to understand why people did the things they did. Each person I talked to had a different life story with different life experiences and different perspectives. And the amazing part that I learned is that when you listen to someone tell their story, you begin to understand and genuinely care; and, when you offer that to someone, you're giving them the greatest gift of all, because it allows them to be seen and heard, which is healing.
One of the problems in our society is that the only stories that we hear about are of those who have power, position, or wealth. The incredible stories of the common folk are ignored or go untold. And that is a tragedy, because if we don’t share all of our stories then how can we learn from them as a culture, as a society or even within families. “We have a duty to share our stories, to leave a legacy for the young,” Margaret Mead once said.
Each person’s life is like a book with chapters and characters — with the client being the hero of course. The hero has always been, at least in movies, the one who saves others; but, I believe the hero is also the one who saves themselves. A true hero is someone who can ask for help and is willing to help themselves.
The experience of sharing one’s stories can be a healing experience and can allow a person to rescue themselves from pain and suffering. All it takes sometimes is the experience of feeling heard and cared about. This is why I have created a special offering called Story Catching, which you can read more about here.
Education
I thank you for considering me to be a part of your healing process. I want you to feel confident in working with me in every aspect. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and have a Bachelors of Sociology (UW) and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (City U). I also have done advanced clinical trainings in techniques of narrative therapy as well as advanced trainings on the treatment of grief issues, depression, suicide prevention, anxiety, and trauma.
Professional Experience
I have 10 years of post-graduate clinical mental health counseling experience.
I primarily provide on-line psychotherapy to adults, age 18 through later adulthood who are experiencing distress due to depression, grief/loss, abuse or trauma, anxiety, life transitions, family and relationship stress and other life changes and challenges.
If you have any questions about me or the services I provide, or if you would like to schedule a free 20-minute free phone consultation, please feel free to reach out.
I look forward to speaking with you!
