My Approach to Therapy
I embrace the mind-body-spirit connection, advocating a holistic and systemic approach to therapy for my clients. Understanding that humans are complex, I believe healing requires addressing all facets of life to achieve balance.
We didn't grow up in a bubble; meaning that our past experiences and relationships have an impact on who we are, along with many other factors, including but not limited to: gender, SES, ethnic background, culture, and age. As your therapist I am committed to understanding your unique individuality. I will work to view things from your perspective and your lens of the world.
This doesn't mean that I won't gently challenge some of your beliefs. Genuine growth occurs when we confront limiting patterns and beliefs. Then we can work to change them and live a life that's more in line with what we value. My approach to therapy is collaborative, and I expect my clients to be active participants in the process. Clients describe me as approachable, calm, intuitive, and compassionate. I am very solution-focused and utilize mindfulness into sessions. This approach has proven beneficial for stress reduction, fostering fulfilling relationships with oneself and others, and enhancing intuition.
Personal Background
I grew up in upstate NY and moved to Denver, CO in the fall of 2001, shortly after graduating college. I fell in love with CO, and that's where I stayed for the next 20.5 years, and eventually going back to school to get a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I now reside in Winston-Salem, NC to be geographically close to chosen family.
Like many others in their 20s, I struggled to decide what I "wanted to be when I grew up." (Joke was on me, because I realized later that we're always growing and evolving and changing, and there really isn't this pivotal moment of "I'm all grown up now!" There is, however, moments of clarity and connection with yourself on the next right move).
I started out in the corporate world in human resources, and after a couple of years and a backpacking trip to Europe, I decided that the corporate world wasn't for me. I then worked in the service industry for about 8 years as a bartender and server. I also had a job in market research, and in a partial hospitalization program for eating disorders before I graduated. All that being said, I know firsthand what it's like to work in a variety of settings and roles, and also feeling lost and searching for the right fit. The one main thing that was constant through all of this was coming back to myself. When you're aligned with who you are and start shedding the layers of conditioning and trauma from all of the systems that you have been a part of, doors start opening, and the next right step appears. The more I got to know and love myself, the easier it was to create a path forward from what I valued and from who I was/am, instead of acting out of fear or what I think I "should" be.
Clarity and continued healing has come from a number of different sources, and tending to all parts of my being - mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial. This has informed the work that I do with clients, because I see humans as multifaceted and comprised of many different parts that need care and attention for optimal health and well-being. On a more personal note, I love: animals, nature, live music, art, singing, cooking, and exploring and deepening my spiritual path and practices.
Training and Credentials
I have two licenses in the state of CO; an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) LPC#13601 and an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), MFT#1585. I am also an approved telemental health provider in the state of FL, and I am licensed to practice in NC as an LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor), LCMHC #18185.
I obtained my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2013. I completed the couples and family track, which means that I have specialized training and experience working with couples and families. Additionally, I have my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Geneseo.
I am always learning to keep on top of the latest research and approaches in treating mental health. Post graduate work has been focused on many different areas, including but not limited to, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness and somatic approaches, and spiritual and depth psychology. My own spiritual journey and development has allowed me to explore different tools and perspectives related to how we connect to ourselves and the world around us. Just a side note - I will never push any of my values on to you, and I am collaborative in my approach. This means I view myself as a guide to help you get clarity and alignment with your own values.
Some of my specialties include working with:
- Spirituality ​
- Soul Searching, getting unstuck, and living a more value-driven life
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Relationships-Â Connection, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Infidelity, Trust, Premarital Counseling, Dating Coaching, Family Dynamics, Co-Parenting
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions- Job and Career Changes, Breakups, Aging Concerns, New Baby
- Working through roadblocks that are preventing you from connecting to your mind, body, emotions, and spirit
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