Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Life presents complex challenges, and sometimes we need focused care and support to cope with obstacles, gain clarity, grieve losses, find peace, or determine the next steps forward. Change occurs as our story is met with compassionate understanding. I would love to walk with you as you allow your story to be seen, heard, and valued. In confusing or painful places, you are not alone. We were created to be in relationship, and safe connection fosters recovery. Whatever brings you to counseling, you will find an accepting, non-judgmental, and collaborative space to explore your story and move toward wholeness, healing, and growth.

Because each client brings unique concerns to counseling, I am drawn to an integrative approach incorporating attachment theory, internal family systems, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These methods serve to name important aspects of your story, cultivate a greater connection with yourself and others, and move into places of greater fulfillment. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, past abuse, church hurt, life transitions, Third Culture issues, neurodivergent experiences, giftedness, LGBTQAI+, and relationship concerns.

What to Expect in Therapy

It takes courage to address the pain and struggles you are facing. My role is to provide a safe and inviting place to address those struggles with honesty and hope. We are complex beings, and every part of you is welcome here.  

At the beginning of the counseling process, you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, decide if we are a good fit, and identify goals that are meaningful to you. As the expert on your life, you will get to set the direction of the work and decide the pace of the journey. While the road to healing is not always comfortable, you will not walk it alone. 

Together, we will explore the concerns that brought you to counseling, understand how they relate to your personal story, and collaborate on steps toward healing and restoration. 

The counseling process is not always focused on difficulties! It is also a place to rest, laugh, name progress toward goals, and celebrate goodness.

If faith is part of your story, all aspects of your spiritual journey are welcome here. You are welcome to celebrate your faith, wrestle with your beliefs, untangle harmful experiences or process church hurt.  

Personal Qualifications and Experience

My calling to serve others and my love for connecting with people led me to complete an undergraduate and master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I worked in schools, clinics, and hospitals with wonderful clients, and I loved partnering with adults and kids alike as they built upon their inner strengths to overcome difficulties. This work also afforded me insight into issues faced by individuals with neurodivergent experiences and families of children with special needs. 

I have also worked in youth ministry with adolescents and their parents for 15 years. Today, I remain passionate about supporting teenagers as they navigate the highs and lows of adolescence. My speech pathology and youth ministry jobs opened my eyes to the growing need for mental health care. Serving in both clinical and ministry settings taught me the importance of authentic connection, hope, resilience, and the necessity for rest, kindness, and play.

I am currently completing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and focusing on trauma, complex trauma, attachment theory, perinatal mental health, and neurodivergent topics, including giftedness. My work is influenced by additional training for the treatment of trauma, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM), and Dan Allender’s Narrative-Focused Trauma Care, in which stories of harm are processed with the hope of moving into freedom and healing. Gottman informs my work with couples.

Along with my husband and three children, we have been able to live in various cities around the United States, South America, and Asia over the past 20 years. These adventures brought new experiences and gave me a unique perspective on transitions, difficulties faced by ex-pats, an understanding of Third Culture Kids, and an appreciation for cultural diversity.

Personal Interests

I enjoy traveling to new places, experiencing different countries, and then returning to the comforts and routines of home. I am a big fan of podcasts, audiobooks, family movie nights, and being outside! We recently moved to Colorado, and we love the beauty and opportunities for adventure.