A good therapeutic relationship involves an understanding of each other’s expectations. It is also helpful for you to know a little about my approach and philosophy to counseling. I hold closely to the value of personal responsibility in the process of change, but I also believe there is a shared responsibility when healing relationships. I appreciate the experiences and strengths of my clients and look for opportunities to weave those into the treatment process.

I rely on several guiding principles; that people and relationships can grow and change, that emotional and spiritual wounds can heal with the proper support, and that each of us are created with unique abilities within certain limitations. Being able to discern what is within our power to control is essential to achieving the best outcomes. Although my practice is grounded in science, my Judeo-Christian background is central to my personal and professional life, and I hold with reverence the various spiritual views of my clients.

I use several modalities depending on the issues presented. In my trauma focused work, I utilize my Level II training in EMDR along with cognitive-behavioral approaches. In addressing issues in relationships, I rely heavily on approaches that are inspired from the family systems and attachment theories. These approaches focus on the relational patterns that impact the development of persons and relationships. Establishing safety and stability are foundational to the healing process in all forms of therapy. I strive to create a safe therapeutic space that gives you the opportunity to develop new skills and perspectives that can be applied to your life. Therefore, much of the growth you experience will occur outside of the therapy room as you practice these skills or complete homework assignments between sessions.

If you are experiencing the painful emotions common to trauma and loss, are searching for ways to cope with a variety of issues such as anxiety and depression, or just want to find ways to improve your relationships, I would be excited to have the opportunity to work with you! I also enjoy providing pre-marital counseling, guidance in parenting, and supporting those who are in active recovery from addiction. I would be happy to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if I am a good fit for your needs.