“We cannot become what we want by remaining what and where we are.” ~ Max Depree
I hold a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and am a Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate. I earned my MA and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University, APA-accredited. I have worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, substance recovery houses, community health, court system evaluations, and in a chronic pain center. I have worked with a range of people the vary in age, gender, ethnicities, and social backgrounds.
My focus is providing counseling and therapeutic services to individuals aged 16 to 65 and older individuals and couples. As a multiculturally-oriented practitioner, I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life and view therapy through an individualist, holistic, and integrative lens. I believe personal health is impacted by emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical factors which affect personal health and well-being.
I believe that each of us is always one decision away from a totally different life. Change is difficult and stressful. Some of us fight it, some of us try avoiding it, and some of us lean into it. Change is the one thing that is certain in life. I am here to help with all the feelings and stresses that are associated with changes of every kind. I am passionate about helping people move forward from the place they find themselves stuck. I believe in strength-building and self-understanding.
Approach
In therapy, I encourage clients to learn more about themselves and help to guide them toward self-empowerment. Clients will learn how to take control of their lives and learn ways to move forward and accomplish their personal goals. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are on your journey. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in therapy success. My top seven areas of expertise include trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, adjustment and life transition issues, chronic pain, abuse, self-esteem, and coping skills.
I begin all sessions with a narrative approach. I strongly believe that individuals are experts in their lives. I believe my role is to assist, my clients in uncovering things that may be hidden, and use tools to educate and help them reach their personal goals. I use a combination of therapeutic methods to fit the needs of my clients. My approach is integrative and guided by – but not limited to – several conceptual models: Humanistic/Existential therapies, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion practices, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, and Solution Focused.