Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and yet having a good therapeutic fit is the best indicator of having an optimal outcome in therapy. Here is some background information about me to help you determine if I might be a good fit for you as a therapist.
I feel deeply privileged to do this work. It is a genuine pleasure to get to know my clients, hear their stories and work together towards healing, growth and transformation. I am a naturally curious observer of humans and have a knack for remembering details of other people's lives. I consider myself a work in progress, and am inspired and encouraged by others who are on the same path. My style is warm, open, and relaxed. I enjoy having a good laugh with my clients when appropriate.
My general focus with clients is working on an improved relationship with self, which is the foundation for health, happiness, and good relationships with others. Together we explore the barriers that you might be facing in relating to yourself in a loving, positive, and honest way. Oftentimes those barriers come from things like family of origin issues, past trauma, a tendency towards perfectionism, and negative messages that we have received about ourselves.
My areas of interest and learning include attachment theory, relationship health, self compassion, family of origin work, mindfulness practices, shame resilience, spirituality, and trauma recovery. I am fascinated by the brain and the way that it can heal and rewire. I also have personally benefitted from the healing power of nutrition, exercise, and sleep and help clients assess their habits in these areas and make necessary adjustments as they are essential to well-being.
My general focus with clients is working on an improved relationship with self, which is the foundation for health, happiness, and good relationships with others. Together we explore the barriers that you might be facing in relating to yourself in a loving, positive, and honest way. Oftentimes those barriers come from things like family of origin issues, past trauma, a tendency towards perfectionism, and negative messages that we have received about ourselves.
My areas of interest and learning include attachment theory, relationship health, self compassion, family of origin work, mindfulness practices, shame resilience, spirituality, and trauma recovery. I am fascinated by the brain and the way that it can heal and rewire. I also have personally benefitted from the healing power of nutrition, exercise, and sleep and help clients assess their habits in these areas and make necessary adjustments as they are essential to well-being.
I went to UT for undergrad and grad school and have lived in Austin for over 25 years. I am married and the mom to twin teenagers. When I am not being a therapist, I love running the hike and bike trail, paddle boarding, yoga, travel, live music, binge watching a good show on Netflix and enjoying time with friends and family.
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Professional Experience and Training
- Master of Science in Social Work degree earned at The University of Texas at Austin in 2001
- Over twenty years practicing as a psychotherapist (2001-present)
- Indivdual and family therapist for Harris County Protective Services and MHMRA of Harris County from 2001-2010
- In private practice since 2005
- Level II trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
- Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF) - a methodology based on the work of Brené Brown which helps to develop shame resilience skills and daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.
- Level Three trained in Relational Life Therapy - a highly effective treatment model for couples therapy created by Terry Real, which offers a revolutionary way of living in connection―one that allows you to cherish your partner, yourself, and your relationship in equal measure.
- Completion of a year long training in Interpersonal Neurobiology with Bonnie Badenoch called "Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind"
Specialties
- Depression and Anxiety
- Trauma related issues
- Couples Therapy
- Relational Health
- Emotional regulation and stress management
- Attachment repair
- Grief and loss
- Abuse and neglect (past or present)
- Parenting issues related to adolescence, neurodivergence, and healthy attachment
- Therapy for therapists
- People pleasing and perfectionism
- Pregnancy loss and infertility
- Faith and spirituality issues including recovering from religious trauma
- Health issues with emphasis on nutrition and fitness
- Life Transitions
If you think I might be a good fit for you as a therapist please feel free to contact me via phone or email and we can discuss scheduling your first appointment. I also offer a free 15 minute phone consultation if you have questions or want to talk more before scheduling.