Empowering you to heal, grow, and thrive.
About me
I am passionate about empowering my clients to develop new coping strategies to manage the stress of life while working towards their recovery from depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relationship issues.
With years of experience working with a diverse population of clients, I have provided treatment in a variety of settings including community, group, private practice, and correctional facilities.
I partner with children, adolescents, adults/couples, and families, utilizing various therapy models such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Emotion-Focused, Narrative, and Psychotherapy. I believe in incorporating music, expressive arts, and play therapy into sessions to help my clients unlock deeper experiences in their healing, identity, and purpose.
My journey in counseling began when I successfully recovered from PTSD as a Retired Combat Veteran and JROTC Senior Army Instructor with over 25 years of service. I know first-hand the difficulties of acknowledging that you need help, especially when you've dedicated your life to helping others.
That's why I'm committed to advocating for mental health services and fighting stigma. My approach is to inspire, equip, and empower healing professionals to move towards hope, healing, and improve their quality of life.
My husband Todd and I have been married for over 20 years and together (blended) we have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.
My areas of expertise
As a therapist, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that come with life transitions and the impact they have on our mental health. My areas of expertise include anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD, boundaries, self-care, and stress management. I also specialize in helping young adults navigate the difficult journey of independence and adulting, as well as supporting parents with parenting skills. Whether you're dealing with grief, divorce, separation, and reconciliation or looking to improve marital communication in blended families, I am here to empower and support you every step of the way.
My background
My background
Master of Science in Professional Counseling Southeastern University
Certified Mental Health Coach
Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 & Level 2)
Certified SYMBIS Premarital Facilitator
Trained in ART- Accelerated Resolution Therapy
My story, my journey here…
Sleeplessness, irritability, hopelessness, and uncertainty left me depleted and out of options. So I sat across from a stranger with a lot of letters behind her name and asked her to “fix me”.
What came next were a series of diagnoses that didn’t look like what I thought they would be. PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Grief were stealing my joy and peace. This therapist helped me to realize that ‘trying harder’ wont bring resolve- it just burns you out. Acknowledging where I was, placed me on the right path.
My path of healing:
God: acknowledging that without Him- there’s no peace.
Cultivating His Creation: People, Places, & Things.
People: wise counsel, therapy, healing and deliverance.
Things: Nature, 5-10 mile walks, preserves, gardening, singing, dancing, jumping into water puddles, chasing after rainbows.
Places: Quiet spaces, libraries, sitting at parks, allowing your five senses to engage, what am I feeling, prayer chair, hammock chair, places where the Father gives me a bear hug, sitting in the back watching the choir rehearse, going to the movies alone, areas of solitude and safety.
Be reminded that it’s never too late……we’re all on a journey…..start yours today!
