Hi, I am an LMFT practicing in California and Colorado with more than 20 years of experience helping clients work through and overcome life's hardships. I have training and experience using a wide variety of therapies and techniques because the counseling process is not a "one size fits all." My goal is to get to know my client, to know what questions to ask, and to really listen and to gain an understanding of who they are and what tools will be of value to them. It is my job to shine a light, and to provide resources and direction, in a manner that will both support and challenge each person individually to be the person they most desire to be.
In our first session together it is my goal to really listen and get to know you and get a picture of the struggles that have caused you to seek therapy. I will ask questions and work with you to create an individualized treatment plan using the modalities best suited to your unique situation, personality and learning style. We will begin setting goals and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know me as well so you can determine if you think we would be a good fit and ensure you are comfortable and confident to entrust me with the privilege of working through your issues.
I think any great therapist requires four things: (1) training and knowledge of various types of therapy to be able to correctly use and apply techniques interchangeably as needed, (2) experience to be able to know when and how to use each technique and to understand the nuances of each, (3) a genuine ability to care, teach, lead, and value each client's experience, and (4) the discipline to ask good questions without assumptions to really meet and understand each client where they are at. I have been practicing as a therapist for 20+ years now and although I am still constantly learning and improving, I do believe these to be my strengths.
I love working with adults of all ages who are ready to make a change in their lives. I am known for finding success with clients who have consider themselves stuck and not yet found the help they are looking for. I am especially trained and experienced at working with traumas of all sizes, from childhood memories of feeling left out or bullied to "Big T" traumas like assault, abuse, war, and violence. Anxiety and depression most often find their roots in past painful experiences as well and I love the challenge of finding those sources and helping my clients find the freedom they have been seeking.
EMDR
I am an ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) certified Master Practitioner with 20 years of experience in EMDR as well. I find these modalities to be the most efficient and gentle process for the reconsolidation of traumatic memories. Brainspotting is also extremely helpful for use in processing of trauma.
Trauma Informed Care
As a clinical trauma specialist I tend to view many issues (depression, anxiety, addiction, etc. and of course PTSD) as rooted in the "traumatic" experiences in our lives. These experiences may or may not of been life shattering, but they were significant enough to have shaped the way we respond to the world around us. I support my clients with practical tools to function, while assisting with the reconsolidation of the memories that underlie current issues.
Christian Counseling
I love the integration of faith into a person's healing process. I myself am Christian and enjoy using Biblical concepts in therapy whenever a client requests this. If you have a faith that is different than mine, please be assured my focus will always be about your own beliefs rather mine.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I think there is always a place for exploration of our core beliefs and negative self talk. I don't believe that CBT cures trauma but I do believe that we heal much faster when we can notice our patterns and treat ourselves with a bit more kindness. CBT is also extremely helpful with depression and anxiety, and especially OCD.
Eclectic
I tend to be very eclectic in my therapy practice. I don't believe the answer to our problems is a one-size-fits-all, so I work really hard to find the right mix of modalities to fit the needs of each individual client. I have experience with a wide range of therapies and can integrate anything from more cognitive based like CBT and DBT to more somatic and body based therapies, while always remaining person centered and strength based.