“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
―Anaïs Nin
―Anaïs Nin
My passion is helping hurting people.
Reaching out is the first step toward restoring hope and peace. I consider it a true honor to walk alongside hurting people as they face relational difficulty, life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual identity issues, addiction and other life challenges. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am passionate about the hope, healing, and reconciliation I see clients receive through the therapy process. In addition, I offer premarital counseling for dating and engaged couples. |
Individuals
If you broke your leg, would you go to the hospital, or set it yourself?
If you were experiencing a series of unexplained physical symptoms would you not see a doctor to diagnose and treat the problem? Your mental and emotional health isn't any less complex than your physical health. That is why a counselor can be a valuable resource when you are trying to make sense of mental, emotional or relational difficulties. Sometimes we just need a safe place to make sense of our own feelings and experiences. As an individual, you may seek out counseling because of concerns about anxiety or depression. Maybe you are having a difficult time moving forward after a recent loss. Or maybe you are having relationship issues, but your mate isn't willing to seek out help with you. Sometimes, we just need help making a major life decision and we need an impartial voice just to listen. Whatever the reason, counseling as an individual provides an opportunity to be in a safe place and find hope for your future. I am humbled to walk beside you as you face your personal challenges. |
Couples
Most of us take our cars in for routine tune-ups, oil changes, and other basic maintenance. We've invested heavily in our cars and we want them to run and operate dependably.
Why then does this logic too often not apply to the most single important relationship in our lives? We wait until we see our marriage as broken down at the side of the road before we are able to bring ourselves to ask for a "tune-up" from a professional. Sometimes it's something big, like an affair, that leads a couple into a counseling office. Sometimes the "d" word is being tossed around by one or both of you. For others, you simply see the potential for you and your mate to be closer and more connected than you currently are today. Both partners need to feel safe in the marriage. Couples typically grow apart when that feeling of safety breaks down. For that reason, our counseling sessions often focus on improving the communication and bond between you and your spouse. This leads to a restoration of that sense of safety. Seeking counseling is not a failure in your marriage! On the contrary, when it is needed, it is the healthiest thing you can do. Rocky days will inevitably come for every couple, but with effort and commitment from both you and your spouse, your relationship can be restored. Don't lose hope! |
Adolescents
Let's face it: The teenage years are difficult. Most of us wouldn't turn back the clock and relive those times.
Sometimes teens deal with emotional struggles that require a little help from someone who can see the forest. These issues may include depression, low self-esteem, weight issues, sexual abuse, family problems, perfectionism, social issues, self-injury, grief and loss and substance abuse. The goal in adolescent counseling is aimed at helping your teenager to develop a stronger sense of identity rooted in responsibility, respect for themselves and others, honesty and compassion. We will work together to learn healthy ways to express emotions and needs, to define values and to increase self-confidence, to learn how to establish personal boundaries, and gain other needed life skills to set him or her up for success academically, emotionally, and socially. As a parent, you play a critical role in your teen's growth. Because of this, I may ask you to join us occasionally in a session. The goal of these particular sessions is to encourage and increase healthy communication and that very important connection between you and your teen. |