I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I do this work because I have the lived experience of knowing that positive change occurs when we become empowered to make healthy choices and to connect with ourselves and the world around us in ways we never dreamed possible. 

Growing up in environments that were unpredictable, in an era and a culture where children were not encouraged to identify or express feelings, resulted in an adolescent who created layers of maladaptive coping mechanisms. To feel as though I had some control over something, I struggled with substance abuse and disordered eating both of which confirmed the deep-seated belief that I was powerless, and that danger and devastation were all I deserved. Entering the rooms of recovery and attempting therapy many times (both voluntarily and not) may not have had an instant effect, but the vision of who I could be was introduced and the seeds of hope planted. As a result of continuing to seek support and guidance, I experienced immense awe and gratitude, and it became my personal mission to be there for others as they sought and found their own answers.

My behavioral health journey began with providing substance use disorder counseling/therapy to individuals of all ages, in a variety of communities and treatment settings, including adolescents, medical professionals, active/former military personnel, and persons involved with the justice systems. I developed a passion for working with people trying to deal with trauma, grief and loss, and for supporting families and couples. I have experience working with co-occurring disorders and persons diagnosed with severe mental illness and with disordered eating and other process dependencies. 

With any behavior or belief that separates us from our true selves, I know that the key is becoming aware of the tools, the skills, and the ability to form and sustain relationships that lead us to feel safe enough to soar. I use an eclectic mix of short-term, goal-oriented, and positive interventions based in Adlerian Individual Psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Brief Strategic Psychotherapy, and Family Systems modalities. I am also trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused CBT, and CBT (including Problematic Sexual Behavior -CBT for adolescent sexual compulsivity).

In addition to my formal training, I bring a love of animals, travel, artwork, and community into my therapeutic relationships by embracing empathy, diversity, and connection. In the almost thirty years I have done this work, I have seen miracles big and small. Progress is miraculous and the willingness to begin your therapeutic journey is courageous. Be proud of yourself for taking this step!