We can make our lives so like still water that beings gather about us that they may see, it may be, their own images, and so live with a clearer, perhaps even with a fiercer life, because of our quiet. —William Butler Yeats
Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
In my work, I have returned many times to the above quote. As David Benner says, “Those who seek to care for the souls of others must have a still, quiet, inner space if they are to be capable of providing a place of refuge and stillness for another.” It is vulnerable to reveal our inner life to another person. I seek to create a safe space within myself and within our counseling room so that you can feel truly heard.
I believe many of our struggles as adults come from our childhood. Whether certain perceptions and behaviors were modeled to us, or we were hurt by experiences. We often live out of those childhood wounds, even though we may not realize it. I love walking with you as you lay down the burdens of the past and find the courage and freedom to make new choices.
I believe every life is precious and that we all have gifts to offer. As I work with people, I see the joy that comes from discovering the parts of their identity that have been hidden and watching them find what brings meaning and purpose to their life.
I am also here to meet you wherever you are spiritually. I can incorporate prayer and scripture into our sessions, but only if you desire it. My spiritual journey has been complicated, so I love to engage with your difficult questions about God.
What to Expect in Therapy
I am here to listen carefully, without judgment. I believe that feeling truly heard is the first step to healing. You are the keeper of your life, and I am here to acknowledge harm, walk with you, and offer hope. I can suggest strategies to help with anxiety or depression, while at the same time exploring the possible sources of the issues in your life.
I can be the objective listener in relational struggles, helping to untangle the knots and bring insight into conflicts. I understand how difficult it can be to change patterns of thought and behavior, whether as an individual or in a relationship. Our self perception changes as we find we have control over our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and find freedom from past hurtful experiences.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
Counseling was not my career of choice as a young person! My first degree is in Microbiology, and I used it to work in medical research for about twelve years.
Counseling came through an unexpected path. In raising three daughters, I experienced great joy and deep disappointments. What drew me to counseling was my personal experience of navigating the confusion and pain of seeing my dreams for my family disintegrate and accepting help from counselors.
I pursued my Master’s degree in counseling at Denver Seminary at the age of 60 and discovered that I am not too old to learn! I worked for four years at a rural community mental health agency seeing clients of all ages. I have experience working with a variety of mental health issues including severe, long-term mental illnesses. I have loved working at Cornerstone the past three years as the people here truly care about their clients and about each other.
I am certified in EMDR therapy, a specialized therapy used to process trauma. I also work through the lens of Internal Family Systems, and I employ strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I have experience counseling people recovering from psychological abuse, especially Narcissistic abuse. I have lived through many phases of life and so have personal experience that is often helpful.
Personal Interests
I am a native of Colorado and love the outdoors, although I enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods rather than outdoor sports. I love our amazing mountains, and I enjoyed the beauty of the prairie when I lived on the Colorado plains. My daughters are a source of joy to me, and I spend time with them (and their dogs!) whenever possible. I read avidly, especially history, and I enjoy writing, gardening, and counting the deer I see each day in the meadows near my home.
