Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
This world is a place of such beauty and wonder, yet for most of us it is also filled with seasons of suffering, pain, and loss. Our resilience in weathering these storms is often determined by our access to others — a felt sense that when we reach, someone is there for us. We heal, grow, and find meaning through secure attachment. When we experience healthy intimacy with God, others, and ourselves, we experience life to its fullest. Trauma and life experiences often prevent us from creating secure bonds, leaving us feeling stuck or even hopeless — but there is hope, friend. I work through a trauma-informed, attachment lens, walking alongside you as you journey toward healing.
A good friend often used to tell me, “All we need is Jesus and a good counselor!” I have had pivotal seasons in my life when therapy brought clarity, understanding, and healing. I wholeheartedly believe these therapeutic seasons changed the trajectory of my life. I am so grateful. Whatever you are facing, I am committed to sitting with you non-judgmentally through tears, anger, confusion, or apathy. When you are ready, I am here to support you in the hard work necessary for change.
What to Expect in Therapy
Neuroscience supports the idea that psychological wounds are created and healed in relationship. My goal is to create space for all parts of you — angry, sad, ashamed, afraid — and approach them with compassion and curiosity. I desire to help you find words that honor your unique and beautiful story. I hope to provide safety so your nervous system can rest and you can heal from past traumas, experiencing greater peace, joy, and hope. Also, I hope we can laugh! Life is hard, and sometimes humor really is the best medicine.
Brainspotting is an amazing tool for dealing with trauma stuck in our nervous system. If you are interested in exploring that, we can discuss what it looks like and how it might be beneficial in your journey.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
I have been married to my husband for 27 years, and we have five children, both biological and adopted. We also just had our first grandbaby, and I am in LOVE!! The last two decades have given me valuable life experience in marriage, parenting, trauma, medical needs, chronic illness, miscarriage, attachment, adoption, ADHD, learning disabilities, homeschooling, depression, and anxiety.
I completed my MA in Counseling from the Townsend Institute, at Concordia University Irvine, where I studied under Dr John Townsend, author of the Boundaries books. I have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Brainspotting outside of my degree.
Personal Interests
I love to garden and be outside. I hug tree’s when no one is looking and am constantly planning out when I can next find a body of water to hang out near! Now that most of our kids are out of the house, my husband and I are starting to travel more and explore what this next season of life will look like. We love our expanding family and have found so much joy in seeing our children launch into the world and make their own way. I’ve fallen in love with God all over again as I explore how Jesus’s life invites us to know the God of the Old Testament more intimately (John 14:7).
