Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

God created us to thrive in authentic, meaningful community. But sometimes our experience of community (trusted family, friends, church members) hasn’t helped us to thrive, but instead has left us feeling beat up, abandoned and bruised. How does anyone find freedom to thrive? Is it even possible?

In my experience, freedom and flourishing are found in two things: God’s self-giving love – fully embodied in Jesus – and when we are truly known by safe people. But before we can make ourselves known to others, we need to first embark on a journey of knowing ourselves. It may feel daunting, but I believe you can do it! God has made a way through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, for all of His creation to be unleashed from captivity and into the abundant life. Jesus Himself offers us this good news – “I have come that [you] may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). Not just in eternity, but in the here-and-now!

The confidentiality and comfort of our counseling relationship will afford you a safe place to wade into the scary waters of being fully known and enjoy being fully accepted by another human being. Oftentimes, our personal defenses, fears, and shame keep us stuck. Having a fellow traveler come alongside you can help you to be compassionate toward yourself, as well as discover the barriers that stand between where you are and where you want to be.

Once you’ve experienced the progressive healing therapy brings (it is a process!), your true self will be unleashed in greater measure! You may find yourself flourishing as you offer this safety of authenticity to others and enjoy more of the connection and purpose you were made for.

What to Expect in Therapy

In my life, I have had to learn to move at the “pace of grace.” I want to come alongside you at that same pace: sensing your comfort level and off-burdening the load you may be carrying and unpacking your story together. There will likely be a lot of ground for us to cover in our first sessions together…looking at your context, stressors, strengths, and story. We will patiently wade through the circumstances, patterns, and experiences that have brought you to this point in your journey and the beliefs, values and influences that have shaped your personhood. It is my highest privilege to be trusted with your story and to hold it in a sacred space. Together, we can trust God’s Spirit to lead the time we have and rely on His wisdom to be our guide.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I encountered Jesus when I was 14 but spiritual pride kept my personal growth stunted for a decade after that encounter. It would take many more encounters to bring me into a paradoxical life of freedom through dependence upon Jesus. This experience helped me find authentic and congruent living, where my beliefs, values, thoughts, and actions aligned.

My professional experience includes serving active duty in the U.S. Air Force for seven years after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2004. During this time, I mostly worked in the information technology field and had the privilege of deploying to Iraq. I went on to earn an MBA from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, prior to separating from the AF in 2010. I then began a new and rewarding journey of raising our four children (ages 13, 11, 9 and 7). Over these last 13 years, I have discovered that my heart is to come alongside others in their pursuit of personal growth and enriching their most meaningful relationships. As such, I am now pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Colorado Christian University.

If our philosophies align and you think I can be of encouragement to you, I look forward to your call!

Personal Interests

Our family enjoys a culture of worship, discipleship and hospitality, used to raise our four children and foster authentic community within our church. We also enjoy exploring Colorado through hiking and camping together and occasionally catching a few fish. Our roots are Texas and South Carolina but Colorado has become home, thanks to the Air Force. Over our twenty years of service, we have had assignments in Colorado Springs, Anchorage, AK, Knoxville, TN and southwest Illinois.