LMFT, 26 years of experience
New to Grow
A midwestern native, I moved to Knoxville over 25 years ago to earn my master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy at Johnson University. More than two decades later, I have developed a love for people who struggle with addictions, mood disorders, and difficult relationships. I decided not to let peoples' pain go to waste. I use what I learn from other's stories to have empathy and offer hope to others. I understand everyone has different starting point in life, progresses at their own pace, and experiences hurt and losses that inevitably hinder peace and contentment in life. My hope as a therapist is show others' that their is hope for a better tomorrow.
The first session is about getting to know one another. My goal is to learn about your individuality and what you need to attain what you are seeking from therapy. If I feel that I cannot offer what would serve you best, then I will help find an available therapist by networking with my fellow therapists to help you meet your needs and goals. As a new client in my office, I encourage you to ask questions about me and share your thoughts and feelings throughout the session. Some people tell me they do not know what to say in their first therapy session; therefore, I can ask questions if you're uncomfortable at first.
I am not a native to the southeast, have a natural curiosity and love of learning, and a quick wit I can appreciate the differentness some might feel living in Tennessee. In recent years I have noticed that I get along well with veterans with PTSD, can offer wisdom to emerging adults, and appreciate multi-generation's perspectives and values in the constantly changing Twenty First century. A third generation Mexican American, I appreciate the influences from different cultures and nationalities, and the unique struggles living in a place they or their families have not called 'home' for all of their lives. I believe that life happens in relationships- whether those relationships be with family, co-workers, peers, the community, or the world, having the skills to navigate relationships is a skill that everyone can benefit.
I work well with individuals seeking feedback, education, and wanting a place to process their thoughts and feelings. I appreciate authenticity and strive to be as authentic and transparent as permitted in my role as a therapist. A bit quirky and non-traditional myself, I work well with those that feel a little bit of the same. I enjoy getting to know people outside of the status quo, are open to new ideas while remaining rooted in their personal beliefs and values. From the tattoo artist, veteran with PTSD, Jesus freak, or black sheep of the group, generally feels at home in my office.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the foundation for nearly all aspects of therapy. I believe it is necessary to teach the fundamentals as the first stepping stone to change.
to augment all other therapy in therapy to I find that teaching skills to improve overall mental health, practical solutions for daily living, the ability to grieve, and resolving the roots of interpersonal relationship patterns are a necessity in life. I have seen anxiety become one of the most common issues people are seeking therapy. ERP targets Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is one of the six types of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety, Panic, PTSD, Selective Mutism, and Separation Anxiety, ). OCD symptoms overflow into many areas of life, such as addiction, obsessively over-thinking, intrusive thoughts to harm yourself or others, and feeling dis-ease until something is "just right", leads to guilt, shame, and sometimes resentment. I received a certification from the International OCD Foundation, in 2025.
I have found that science and education do not especially give the the peace and joy humans seek and need. Finding purpose in our suffering, knowing where we fit to make the world a better place, and that there is hope in the unknown gives an even greater deal of contentment and peace.
Not everyone has the time or means to spend for traditional psychotherapy. I have found some people want answers and solutions, they prefer direct feedback rather than rather than a loosely structured session. I have many resources to give individuals seeking knowledge or self help tools to make changes at their own pace.
Relationships are an integral part of daily life and often where people find fulfillment and joy in their day. IFS and The Gottman Method focus on how to cultivate healthy relationships and what to do when others have betrayed or let us down. I have completed an additional 40 hours of training from trauma specialist, Frank Anderson, MD, in IFS. The Gottman Method has principles outlined by John and Julie Gottman for creating and maintaining health relationships.