My Approach to Helping

I believe compassion is the key to helping people. My approach to therapy is to listen and respond compassionately. Compassion helps create a love for yourself. By loving yourself, you will improve your self-esteem, which will allow you to approach challenges and obstacles with confidence. The end result is the confidence you gain in yourself will contribute to healthier decision-making, life choices, balance and overall enjoyment of life! Finally, my compassionate helping will allow you to be compassionate for yourself

More Info About My Practice

Personal life experiences guides my practice as I strive to connect with you on multiple levels. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults in school-based settings, residential treatment facilities, colleges and universities, athletics programs, business and service environments, and internationally in Morocco and Australia. Additionally, I use a variety of techniques to meet your personal growth goals.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am skilled at working with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma often resulting in substance use and abuse. Additionally, my own life and career path have led me to be passionate about helping people transition through major life changes including high school to college, college to work, retirement, in and out of relationships, grief and loss and transitions through different stages of athletic participation and competition. I am also skilled at facilitating open and honest communication within relationships through both individual and couple?s work.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

Its very simple - relationships and helping. I love listening to people and watching the light come on as we work together to make connections between their deep-rooted beliefs and their behaviors. I truly believe the relationship between you and me is the most important (and rewarding) piece of therapy!

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

I understand the challenge of deciding to go to therapy and trying to select the best possible therapist for you, as I have been there myself. There is no doubt that we are often afraid of the unknown, and each therapy session is a risky meeting with the unknown. Having said that, the greater the risks we are willing to take, the greater the potential for reward! Trying therapy does not have to be a long-term commitment. There is no harm in simply "trying." If therapy is right for you, you will feel safe with your therapist and you will feel a connection that allows you to be honest and open. However, you will never know the benefits of a healing relationship until you are willing to get off the fence and take the leap! Give it a try ? you may find happiness you never knew you could experience.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

Each relationship you engage in throughout life is valuable. Your relationship with your therapist is no different. Choosing a therapist is similar to choosing a friend, romantic partner or business associate. Trust, safety and being nonjudgmental are essential characteristics in a therapeutic relationship. Equally essential is an emotional connection with your therapist. It is ok, even expected, for you to try different therapists until you find the right ?fit.? I recommend you commit to three sessions with a therapist. If you do not feel a connection forming, then take note of what is missing and try again with someone new. Even the process of trying out different therapists can be both healing and rewarding!