Get To Know Me
About
From the age of 15, I battled through the living hell that is addiction and alcoholism. I was self-medicating deeper pain. These personal demons helped me know intimately the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma and poor-to-nonexistent self-esteem, among other things. Through a willingness to really LOOK at myself, I was able to make my way out of that living hell. I now know a part of my purpose in life is to be with others in their suffering and to transform it, together. It can be done. I say that from getting to the other side myself. I have learned tons of practical tools along the way, and I will bring those out in our work together. That said, the most important thing was learning how to truly “become myself.” There is no technique for that because becoming one’s truest self is a process – one so meaningful that it goes beyond the ability words have to capture it. You will start to feel yourself, and truly know yourself. In my experience, there is nothing like it. In life, you can’t keep from going into the dark places once in a while. The trick is in knowing how to handle it during the visit. I’ve learned how to do this and together, I believe we can get through the challenges you are facing.
Life is whole -- both light and dark. There is no escaping that unless you are numbing yourself to all of it, and we all know that is not living. It is in knowing how to bear and then transform your suffering and getting connected to your deeper nature and creativity that will give you purpose, meaning, and more happiness. I want that for you!
You are meant to have a meaningful life! I truly believe that with all of my being. If you feel ready for the journey, my hand is outstretched. I look forward to connecting.
Encouragement
It takes a great deal of courage to embark on the experience of bettering one’s life. To this end, I encourage freedom of expression with all my clients. I also like to incorporate humor when appropriate because I feel as though this enables the client to relax and enjoy the journey from time to time. My clients come to know that I’m truly on their side; however, as time goes by, they also become aware that I can challenge them when defense mechanisms are being used. I strive to become the gentle but strong presence in their lives, the one they look to who finally may know some of the answers to their life’s questions.
Many issues can be greatly improved through therapeutically increasing self-esteem, communication skills, sharpening conflict resolution abilities and being able to accept love and support from others. In my practice, I use solution and evidence-based therapies to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of each and every one of my clients. Organically, throughout our time together, clients will come to know that I am passionately dedicated to them.
Achievements
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Certification
National Institute of Health Ethics Certification
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification
Helping Children with Traumatic Grief Certification for National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Specialized Child Abuse Training Certification
Sibling Sexual Abuse Certification for National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Grandparents as Parents Training Certification