New to Grow
My ideal client is someone who feels a quiet but persistent sense that something in their life isn’t fully aligned. On the surface, they may appear capable and even successful but internally, they are stressed and overwhelmed or feeling “stuck.” Sometimes they can clearly name what’s wrong; other times, they just know that something doesn’t feel right. What they all share is a willingness—whether strong or tentative to explore their story more deeply. Ultimately, I help my clients move towards a way of living that feels more intentional and whole.
In our first session, we will review your assessment results. I liken these measurements to vitals that you receive at a medical appointment. Essentially, they a provide real-time baseline measurements, of where you are beginning, not necessarily where you will remain. I also like to paint a picture as to why you sought out therapy and acquire a rich history intake, so that in our second session we may delineate a clear and concise treatment plan and your counselling goals. You are giving me a gift of an hour of your time, and I want to make the most out of each and every session that we have together. I also immediately start looking for and naming the many skills, gifts, talents and abilities that you have and work to incorporate those unique qualities into your overall care plan.
I have extensive experience, with 31 years in practice, working across life stages, diagnoses and relationship dynamics. My clients often feel they're working with someone who has seen a wide range of challenges. I work to naturally move clients towards practical changes and sessions are likely to end with clients understanding their next steps. My ability to identify stuck points, challenge unhelpful beliefs and facilitate cognitive restructuring, is effective in fostering a healthful change. My practice frames healing around the brain's capacity to change which instills hope, while helping clients understand that long-standing patterns are not necessarily permanent. Assisting clients recognize how trauma shapes beliefs, rather than define an identity is a unique aspect, of my practice. My approach is to balance validation with accountability for change. For my couples my practice offers the following: * I help couples identify interaction patterns, instead of assigning blame. * I encourage emotional safety while maintaining accountability. * I help transform conflict into opportunities, for greater connection and intimacy. * I recognize moments of connection and help a couple live intentionally. Faith - based focus includes: * Aligning healing with Biblical principals. * Finding hope and purpose through one's faith. * Address guilt, shame, forgiveness and identity from both psychological and a spiritual perspective. * Incorporate prayer or scripture that aligns with client's beliefs and goals Military Counseling Strengths include my experience both as a military spouse and having served our military in Japan, Italy and Hawaii, allowing me to appreciate unique military culture and such challenges as: * Operational stress * Deployments * Frequent relocations * Leadership demands * Family separation * Reintegration
I specialize in solution-oriented and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) interventions, helping clients identify and restructure unhelpful thought patterns rooted in trauma, stress, and life transitions. My approach is practical, collaborative, and goal-focused—empowering clients to move from insight to meaningful, sustainable change. Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. My approach is collaborative, structured, and focused on helping you see real progress—not just talk, but meaningful change. If you’re looking for support that helps you move forward, I welcome you to connect with me.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I implement an 8-15 and sometimes up to 20 sessions, as needed for a Cognitive Processing treatment plan for those who have lived through trauma. We work to develop new neuro pathways, essentially utilizing the science of neuroplasticity. We can utilize an app or worksheets in the process. An intensive treatment is also available, in person, located in beautiful Ko Olina, Hawaii. Please check out my website for further information at serenewaterscounseling.link .
Christian Counseling
I utilize faith-based interventions for both couples and individuals. We can incorporate scripture and prayer as the client requests.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize a strength-based solution-focused practice, in essence, beginning with my clients own unique talents, gifts and abilities and build tools where stuck points exist.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
We explore how your thoughts may be causing stuck points and therefore increasing stress levels that hinder your ability to achieve a restful sleep.
Couples Counseling
I utilize an integrated method, including a solution-oriented approach and draw from both Interpersonal and Gottman principles. I meet a couple where they are and begin with their unique love story, of how they met and work to define their "perfect day," as a couple, in so doing we quickly acquire goals and a successful treatment plan. I incorporate faith aspects as a couple may request. I enjoy utilizing podcasts, apps., articles and books to further equip my couples with additional tools and skills that they need for success.