LPC, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello! Is something holding you back from living life to your fullest potential? Feeling stuck? Anxious? Experiencing a difficult life transition? Depressed and unable to thrive in your current life situation? As a licensed professional clinical counselor and board certified somatic psychotherapist, I will address your concerns with an integrated approach that honors the sacredness of your body, mind & spirit. The body is the carrier of all of our lived experiences, and there is so much wisdom within each of us. I bring a unique perspective of nervous system functioning through Chi for Two® a mindful embodiment method. Scientist Stephen Porges created polyvagal theory. Polyvagal theory helps us recognize anxiety and depression as symptoms of trauma. When we experience trauma, our bodies create nervous system patterning that gets passed down over generations. When our ancestors experienced trauma, their bodies created nervous system patterning that got passed down to us. Chi for Two partner practices help us heal multi-generational trauma. I am interested in tapping into the internal resources you already possess, while providing you with accessible skills to support your journey towards having a life worth living become a reality.
Our first session will involve an orientation to my therapeutic space, and the opportunity for you to notice what it feels like in your body today now. I bring curiosity to your life story, your supports, what has worked for you in the past and an invitation to notice what you are hungry for in our therapeutic dance.
I began my dance movement therapy and counseling journey teaching dance to at-risk youth and other marginalized populations in Ireland and England twenty-five years ago. After completing my dance movement therapy & counseling degree and certified movement analysis training at Columbia College Chicago in 2007, I was employed as a Rehabilitation Therapist (Dance) at Napa State Hospital, a forensic psychiatric facility for nine years. I provided therapeutic treatment and psycho-education to patients, resulting in demonstrated increases in empathetic reflection with peers and staff, positive shifts in mood and approach to recovery, while formulating long and short-term goals to support success. Today in my private practice, I reference that important chapter as a rich learning experience, which informs my depth and breadth of knowledge and compassion for those struggling with mental health issues. Honoring the star in each one of us through the Chi for Two practices supports clients' congruence of inner connectivity and outer expressivity towards living a full life to each person's greatest potential.
I am best positioned to serve clients with a willingness and curiosity of how the therapeutic movement relationship heals. I enjoy working with therapists, healthcare workers, those dancing with life transitions, including career shifts, and those who are seeking circles of support while awakening to their trauma history.
I enjoy integrating elements of expressive arts therapies, Chi for Two® a mindful embodiment method to facilitate the energetic dance of healthy relationships, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Celtic spirituality. I am interested in tapping into the internal resources you already possess, while providing you with easily accessible skills to make your goal of having a life worth living become a reality. My philosophy reflects a deeply held belief in the power of embodied consciousness to transform lives. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and emotion management for both men and women by developing clients' awareness of the mind body connection.