LCSW, 32 years of experience
I’ve been a practitioner for the past 32 years. I’ve been lucky to spend my entire career doing what I love with amazing people. It is a joy and an honor to partner with someone and watch them heal and grow. My interests are playing with my dog Misha, traveling, reading, dancing, music of all kinds (although I am partial to the 80s), and rescuing Great Pyrenees dogs. I also love hanging out at the dog park and have made great friends there. As you can tell, I’m a crazy dog lady! I recently got engaged to the love of my life, who I met during my travels in Nepal. The second love of my life is my dog Misha, who likes to make an appearance on camera before she sleeps in my lap. I rescued sweet Misha from the streets of Hetauda, Nepal when she was a tiny, unweaned puppy whose mother died. I’m not sure who saved who!
I know it’s terribly difficult to reach out for help. Talking to a stranger about our innermost pain can be overwhelming. One of my strengths is to be able to create a safe place where there is absolutely no judgment. During our first session we will be able to get to know each other and you can decide if I’m the right fit for you. I will never push you to talk about anything before you’re ready. We’ll go at whatever pace seems right to you.
My greatest strengths are the ability to partner with someone in a way that helps you to feel safe and understood. There is a reason why we do everything we do, even if it is damaging to us and our relationships. Together we will build bridges back to understand the origins of pain and behaviors that harm us. In doing so it allows your strengths to blossom, and to gain self compassion and soothing.
I’ve found that I’m best suited to help folks with trauma and mood disorders. I am particularly adept at partnering with survivors of trauma. There is a lot of overlap between trauma, mood disorders, and ADHD.
I have used this method throughout my 32 years of experience. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) aims to help anyone who struggles with shame and self-criticism, often resulting from early experiences of abuse or neglect. CFT will help you cultivate the skills of self compassion, which will help with mood and lead to feelings of safety, self acceptance and comfort. I will help you learn the science behind the mind-body connection and how to practice mind and body awareness.