“God is a God of the present. God is always in the moment, be that moment hard or easy, joyful and painful.” -Henri Nouwen
Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
Many of my clients schedule a counseling appointment because they are looking for change. We all want to feel whole, grounded in who we are, recover from traumatic events, and create deep, meaningful relationships. When we aren’t able to do that on our own, therapy can be a great support in reaching those goals.
I am passionate about using both individual therapy and couples counseling to unlock those answers and find the things you need to heal.
I immediately try to look for ways to help bring relief. That might mean using Emotionally Focused Therapy with you and your partner to track your negative cycle right away to help neither one of you feel blamed but to recognize your cycle of disconnection together. That could mean using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help you gain insight into why previous ways of coping and living life just aren’t working for you anymore. I’m particularly fond of integrating EMDR and/or Brainspotting to heal from trauma.
My hope is that the change you experience is not only for this season but is something to carry into the future.
What to Expect in Therapy
Whether you’ve been to therapy in the past or if this is your first time, coming to counseling can be daunting. Our first meeting is a great time to get to know each other and understand what has brought you here. You’re welcome to ask me questions, since I believe it’s important for counseling to be a comfortable relationship. One of my top priorities in the first few sessions is to make sure I really get what is happening for you or your loved one, and that you feel safe and comfortable taking the journey forward together.
When first getting started, it’s pretty typical for things to feel messy at first, before you begin to experience clarity or relief. You are a complicated person with an important past and it can feel confusing to know where to start. If you’re coming for couples counseling, things can feel even more complicated. But I look forward to entering the mess with you! Doing the work that counseling requires takes effort and courage, and I commend you for taking this step.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
I have a Master’s degree in counseling from Denver Seminary and am licensed in the state of Colorado. Prior to entering the counseling field, I enjoyed seven years working in a non-profit in Cambodia helping low-income women who were first-time moms. I found that I was particularly drawn to working with the women who were struggling with addiction, suicidality, trauma, and depression. These women taught me that a crisis can be a transformational time in our lives if we choose to make it so.
I began learning about trauma early on in my career and continue to learn as much as I can about it to help you through yours. I am trained in EMDR therapy and am in the process of training in Brainspotting which is not only a helpful approach to trauma but can help you feel less stuck in other areas of life as well.
It is a privilege for me to spend my days being a small part of your lives, and for an hour each week to help you make sense of the pain and suffering you are experiencing. I find it an incredible honor to journey with men, women, and couples as they face hard times in their lives. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) so I bring this approach into my work with individuals, couples, and families. EFT provides a helpful framework to grow closer to your partner and to become unstuck in your cycles of conflict. It also provides a helpful lens for approaching grief and attachment wounds you may carry.
Personal Interests
Having grown up overseas in Cambodia, I love working with people from different countries. I love to travel and try foods from all over the world.
In my spare time, I go on walks with my husband and kid, listen to podcasts, and serve at church and with non-profits.
