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Hello! I am an LMFT of 20 years with a passion for helping people. I approach therapy as your helper and guide, knowing you have the capacity to make positive changes even when it feels like you don't. I actively participate in your journey to a healthier, happier life. I believe while hearing you is important, therapy doesn't end there. And I offer tools and understanding, and direction to help you reach your goals. My background led me to this profession. Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma are conditions I understand and can relate to. And I know that healing and leading a more peaceful life is achievable. But my story is not your story, and we will address the uniqueness of your needs.
My approach
Part of your experience as my client involves me listening to your concerns, but it doesn't end there. I teach my clients helpful tools and add insights into the root of struggles. Use a variety of approaches tailored to your needs and understand the difficulties you face with compassion. My primary modalities are EMDR, Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, CBT, Christian-Based interventions when appropriate, and Internal Family Systems techniques.
My focus
I enjoy working with clients looking to make positive changes in their lives and take action to achieve lasting change. Clients looking for someone to talk to about their daily or weekly struggles without looking for ways to effect change are challenging for me to work with. The current struggles are essential and need telling, but the goal of finding the answers is the key to leaving the struggles behind.
My communication style
My communication style is expressed with compassion and openness. I am direct, offer insights, and ask probing questions that help you come to your conclusions rather than mine. I use metaphors and imagery to make abstract concepts concrete, easier to understand, giving you a greater probability to make positive changes.
My journey to mental healthcare
I earned a BA in English with the intention of building my skills as a poetry and fiction writer, worked as a newspaper journalist, in radio, and at a writing service until marriage and motherhood became my new, welcome reality. I also have a helper's heart, so studied for a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and was licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist in 2002. I learned a great deal about myself during my master's program and beyond, and how my background formed me. My training was with abused children, families and adults. Through that I learned change in the family is necessary for lasting change for a child. I worked with families to effect change and moved into working with adults. If change doesn't happen in the family, the grown child has the capacity to heal during adulthood and I have worked with adults since that time.
My goals for you
Trauma: clients can be free from the power of their traumas, free from fear, depression and anxiety that accompany trauma. Anxiety: clients can relax their anxieties as they learn anxiety is based on a future fear or worry that has not, and very likely will not, occur. " Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere". Depression: clients can realize their strengths and conceptualize other ways to view the world than under the veil of depression.
My first session with you
I want to know about your struggles and goals. What makes you want therapy, and what do you expect to achieve? This is a time when I listen to you, ask questions, and help you identify your goals if you aren't clear on what they are.
