(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello ! Welcome to this new adventure to explore the benefits of therapy. This may be your first time trying out this experience, or you may have worked with other clinicians in the past. People often think of therapy as scary; a luxury; an unnecessary expense and/or use of time; no better than talking to friends and loved ones; to be sought out only if things get really BAD. But in the decades I have been working as a psychotherapist with people just like you - they have found, as I hope you will, that it is a dynamic opportunity to start addressing the needs of the most important resource you have - YOU ! And YES, starting with someone new is scary, and sometimes anxiety-producing. I applaud you for taking this step. Therapy is an educational process in which you are learning about you. I follow the pace of the client and can say that each person's journey to healing is different. I may have a compass to guide the process, but you are rowing the boat. There can be hard work on this exploration ! My experience as a therapist began in New York City, working in the field of domestic violence as a therapist and advocate. Living in New York City at that time, I had the opportunity and honor to work with people of various nationalities and cultures. I completed my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University in 2000. I worked for, and directed, several community- based , not for profit agencies before I took the plunge to start my own business in 2005. I was in private practice for 10 years, and since that time I have worked as a contractor in many capacities, with diverse populations.
IN THE FIRST SESSION, I WILL BE COMPLETING AN ASSESSMENT THAT EXPLORES VARIOUS DOMAINS OF YOUR LIFE AT THIS TIME. AFTER THAT IS COMPLETED, I GATHER AS MUCH HISTORY AS POSSIBLE TO EXPLORE PAST TRAUMA, HEALTH, SUSBTANCE USE AND RELATIONAL ISSUES
My biggest strengths are the decades of experience I have gathered - assessing, talking to and providing therapy for all genders and ages. I am sensitive and empathic, but also direct when it is helpful. I TRULY love working with people and could not imagine spending my life doing otherwise. I am a life-long learner and I value my own humility.
MY IDEAL CLIENT IS CURIOUS AND INTERESTED IN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONAL GROWTH. THERAPY IS AN EDUCAITONAL PROCESS ABOUT THE SELF. THERE IS NO IDEAL GENDER, AGE, ISSUE OR DIAGNOSIS. I AM A GENERALIST AND TREAT PEOPLE AS INDIVIDUALS. I PREFER TO WORK WITH ADULTS FROM 18 TO THE LAST STAGE OF LIFE. WELLNESS, ILLNESS, ABILITY OR DISABILITY - LIFE TRANSITIONS OR SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES - ALL ARE IMPORTANT AND DESERVE SUPPORT.
Trauma Informed Care
i have been working with trauma victims and survivors for 30 years
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
for issues with emotional and behavioral regulation as well as sleep and various mindfulness skills
Couples Counseling
participated in Gottman research provided couples therapy for close to 30 years
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
35 years of experience in this modality - works with clients with various clinical presentations