Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

I love people. I regard each person as a uniquely crafted and special person who is deeply loved by God and made for a purpose, a message that is infused through all my interactions with others. I am easy-going and empathic, and people often remark that my presence has a soothing effect, making them feel very calm and safe. I tend to focus on the big picture and see hope in every situation, something that I will impart into whatever situation you are facing. I am not afraid to go into the darkest places with you in order that I may help you walk back into the light. I am non-judgmental and caring, understanding that all people can end up in situations that they were not expecting to find themselves in. While all people can make wrong choices, I do not believe that those choices define who you are. Instead, I will treat you with gentleness and respect, trying to view you as Jesus viewed people.

I also deeply understand difficult human relationship dynamics and have good conflict resolution skills. I am a peacemaker and happily walk into relational messes with you, if you want me to do so. Our relationship will be collaborative and open regarding treatment goals, and I will pull from a variety of methods and approaches to best meet your goals and needs. I also believe that all parts of a person are intricately connected. For instance, I believe that emotional pain will also impact one’s spirit and body. I am invested in bringing you to a healthy and joyful place on all levels!

What to Expect in Therapy

Therapy is a journey that will help you learn new things about yourself, others, and God, opening doors that will improve your emotional well-being, your relationships, and problem-solving ability and communication, moving you towards your desired goals. I always care to hear if you feel like something is not working for you in our work together, so that we can find more effective strategies to meet your needs. My goal is to help you become the strongest “you” possible, by being supportive and encouraging, while also gently challenging you to move into healthier and more effective approaches in your life.

Change is a journey that often includes both highs and lows, so it is important to know that you are going in the right direction even if you face difficult emotions or must work through difficult relational issues. I will encourage you throughout your process of change, attempting to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I received my Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and am licensed in the state of Colorado. I also specialize in integrating Christian inner-healing techniques and principles into counseling when requested, and am a co-founder of two Christian healing ministries for women.

Awakening Retreat for Women is a four-day spiritual formation weekend that brings emotional and spiritual healing to women’s lives, and incorporates Praise in Motion, a worship movement ministry that connects women to God physically. The body stores trauma emotions and memories, and movement is important for processing emotions and healing. Both ministries aim to address women’s spiritual, emotional, and physical hurts and hang-ups, bringing deeper healing and transformation on all levels.

Personal Interests

I have been married for over two decades to my husband, whom I met at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He is a tremendous blessing in my life as we have grown and changed together over all these years. We have four young adults/teens that keep us very busy! My biggest personal passions are public speaking and worshipping God through movement, connecting to Him in a totally different way!

As might be expected, I have a tremendous love for music and listen to it almost all day long, every day. Toby Mac and Lauren Daigle are two of my favorites! Other hobbies I enjoy are puzzles – the harder the better! One day I hope to complete a giant 20,000-piece puzzle if I can find the space to do it!

Besides these things, I love hiking and being outdoors in still and quiet natural areas. I love both the ocean and the mountains since I spent much of my life growing up in Hawaii. I am bi-lingual and fluent in German, as my mother’s side of the family is German. I lived in Germany for many years while growing up. These places are still home to me, although I embrace Colorado as home now as well!

NEXT STEPS