My Approach to Helping

Humans are born within community. We are known in relationships, through experiencing life not just as an "I," but also as "we." I approach others with the understanding that our impressions of life and world are based upon what we experience with others, and sometimes those experiences are obviously beneficial, and sometimes they are painful and less obviously beneficial.

I passionately believe that dissociation is a natural human process--that can vary from general boredom to the need to protect oneself from dreaded things. If it is the latter, dissociation is a result of traumatic experiences and is not, in itself, a disorder. However, it is true that dissociation can become a coping skill that no longer serves the purpose for which it came into being. And, thankfully, the learned dissociative behavior can be changed, and, in fact, can become a superpower.

I became a therapist after finishing a doctorate in intercultural communication and conflict in 1998, being a professor for a time and mentoring people at my church--where I was told I should go into counseling. I finished my second masters in counseling in 2014. While an intern, I studied EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) so as to better work with Indigenous clients' trauma, and have found EMDR to be helpful with people who experience varying levels of life difficulties. Now, I enjoy working with my clients to overcome diverse barriers toward fulfilling, meaningful relationships with themselves and others, using a number of modalities to do so.

I am currently studying in order to develop practice with autistic adolescents and adults, who face challenges similar to those who have experienced significant traumas.

More Info About My Practice

In sessions, I work with clients through art media, "zord" fighting (think Star Wars lightsabers), role play, Gestalt two-chair, somatic interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Open Focus brain work (neurofeedback), and talk with attention to details in patterns of speech and behavior. Often, I work with breathing and grounding before doing any other work, and then, throughout therapy attend to my clients' body, emotion, and thought connections.

I regularly receive counseling, consult with colleagues, and am mentored by someone experienced in working with dissociative clients for more than 30 years.

I strongly believe in self-care, and some of my caring practices include painting watercolors--usually scenery, baking bread (my family especially likes whole wheat cinnamon craisin bread!), walking, regular exercise, sleeping in whenever possible, writing poetry and fiction, spending time with family, and singing while washing dishes by hand.

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

I have a special interest in Native American historical trauma, as well as in other ethnicities' historical traumas.

What I Usually Need to Know to Help

I usually do end up talking with clients about their childhoods, and issues of safety and trust.