New to Grow
I've been a counselor for 22 years primarily in the school setting giving me experience in so many different areas like managing conflict, maintaining parent/teacher relationships, helping students with anxiety & depression, and navigating relationships and life's challenges. My clients tell me our sessions are like talking to a good friend. But I can also be direct, honest and focused to get things done. I've seen clients outside of school for couple's counseling, grief, parenting and life coaching. I love to support women of all ages experiencing life's challenges and transitions. I believe we all need support and guidance without judgement. I work hard to provide a safe confidential space.
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, time-consuming and intimidating Our first session will be making sure you feel comfortable, safe, and able to share anything without feeling judged. When we have a good understanding of what you would like to work on, I like to dive in and offer tools and strategies that you can begin using immediately. I always want to use your time productively so that you can see and feel positive results as soon as possible. My philosophy is that most therapy offers support for normal people experiencing abnormal life circumstances. We will begin building our relationship to support trust, collaboration and meaningful progress. You deserve a therapist who is empathetic and nonjudgmental and I will strive to make sure you experience a sense of openness and acceptance. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood and hopeful.
I have specialized training in couples therapy, grief counseling, family mediation, and life coaching. I like to focus on personal growth, self-awareness and individual potential. I believe in supporting the development of self-understanding and self-actualization and offer client-centered, client-led collaborative therapy. One theory I really like is the Humanistic counseling approach that supports the assumption that people already possess the qualities they need to thrive. One of my greatest strengths is recognizing the influence of patterns across systems including family, school, work and relationships that influence our behaviors and psychological wellness. When selecting techniques, I will consider your goals, preferences, and lived experiences. With this knowledge, we will use tools and strategies from several therapies to create a unique and highly effective plan specifically designed for you.
My ideal clients are motivated to experience richer, more fulfilling lives. It's normal for people to feel stuck or lost in the normal challenges and difficulties of life. Clients who want to focus on better futures are generally open-minded to new ideas and willing to apply new practices in order to reap the benefits of happiness, contentment, satisfaction and overall wellness.
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is so powerful because it helps us become aware of how our thinking patterns may be creating issues in our lives. Self-talk, directly related to our thoughts, can be life-changing if we re-frame or re-direct our thinking and use it to our advantage. I always have clients look at the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors when dealing with challenging situations because it makes their perception more clear. With that clarity, they can learn to respond to life in more effective ways. It also works well with many other therapies and treatments when needed. It helps us better manage stressful life situations.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I used (SFBT) primarily with my students at school because it's a strength-based, goal-oriented program that helps adolescents and adults with a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, and anger. When we didn't have much time to spend together, we worked on constructing solutions and finding ways to achieve changes that helped them be more successful in school and life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a great therapy that touches all of us who seek universal wisdom and pathways to richer living. It offers success with clients who are ready to focus on changing their relationship with their thoughts and feelings, which then ultimately gives them the tools to alter behavior and it all begins with acceptance of where they are in the present moment. Life's challenges can look different when we learn to navigate them in ways that make us feel empowered.