Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

I consider it a huge privilege to be trusted with your story. I love understanding what makes you tick, what lights you up, and what knocks you down. I believe in the power of genuine human connection and that, often, what is broken in relationship is also healed in relationship. I value the influence of early life experiences, the power of choice and autonomy in the present, and carving out space for a hopeful future. 

One of the most significant things I can do as your counselor is provide space and support for the range of human emotions you can’t always express freely in your daily life. As a trusted support person, and with the counseling office as a refuge, I will walk alongside you as you decide where you want to go and how best to get there.

What to Expect in Therapy

I recognize that when you arrive in my office, it has perhaps taken months or even years for you to get here. I applaud the courage, humility, and tenacity it takes to seek help and be open to all counseling has to offer. 

Counseling is a unique relationship where you can show up authentically and know you will be met with respect, encouragement, and kindness. You can speak openly without fear of judgment and beyond the normal expectations inherent in other relationships. My goal is to see and understand you and your specific challenges, and help you create an individualized path to wellness. We will look at your life holistically, knowing that your emotional health is inextricably linked to your physical, spiritual, and social health. I will follow your lead on how you want these aspects to play a role in your counseling process as I invite you to compassionately explore these areas of your life. 

In our initial sessions, I will learn as much as I can about you as well as establish trust and rapport. Counseling can feel imbalanced and awkward at first because the time we spend together is unapologetically focused on you. I am committed to empowering and encouraging you toward the best version of yourself as we collaboratively set goals, seek insight through curiosity, and apply the skills and strategies that will help you achieve your goals. I will offer encouragement as I help you monitor your progress, make adjustments, and continue to grow. 

Personal Qualifications and Experience

Supporting others has always been at my core. When I graduated from high school my parents submitted a tribute for the yearbook that included the phrase, “psychologist without a license.” I sought volunteer opportunities in my community and abroad from a young age and worked in settings like prisons, schools, refugee camps, and even leprosy colonies. Early loss and grief became some of my greatest teachers and fostered empathy and a deepening I could not have developed in any other way. 

I studied Sociology and Social Work in college, always fascinated by psychology and social systems. I thoroughly enjoyed working in various non-profits during and after college, empowering youth to be a part of the change they hoped to see in their communities. I did missionary and humanitarian work, striving to share God’s love implicitly and explicitly. I worked with underserved youth and their families in after-school programs and was humbled by their resilience and hard work. 

I spent a decade at home with my children while remaining active in volunteer work at church and in the community. Since returning to school to get a Master’s in counseling, I am grateful to come back around to this work I have loved in ministerial and relational contexts to now offer counseling as a professional. 

Personal Interests

My kids would say I’m a bit granola, but I like to say I come by my crunchy tendencies honestly, considering that I grew up at the end of a dirt road in the mountains — a very Little House on the Prairie existence. I do love hiking, cooking good food from scratch, gardening, and yoga. I also enjoy music, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active.    

I am married to my phenomenal husband with whom I have five kids, ages 10-16. They were all born in the Bay area, CA where we lived for twelve years. Life (and God) took us to the UK to an adorable village about a half hour north of London, where we jumped off to our many adventures traveling throughout Europe. Living and working abroad expanded our worldview in beautiful and fun ways. We moved to Colorado 5 years ago and are so grateful to live in such a fantastic part of the world. God is good and life is for learning.