Specializations
-Facilitator, Narrative Focused Trauma Care (The Allender Center, associated with The Seattle School of Psychology and Theology)
-NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Level II
-Somatic Experiencing®Practitioner (SEP)
-Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR™)
-Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT)
-Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
The trauma-informed training helps guide my work with individuals and couples to dismantle trauma's core impact on identity, heal relational disconnection, and cultivate more authenticity and capacity for love.
I started my career in the field of Human Resources following graduation from Texas A&M University in 1988. After a season focusing on family, I returned to school and earned my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and Seminary in 2014.
What I Believe
Our particular way of relating to ourselves and others is a product of the individual families and collective systems that formed us. Attachment Theory suggests much of what we learn in these early experiences characterize our relationships from cradle to grave. Learned relational patterns tend to repeat themselves, and until disrupted will continue to unwittingly orient the direction of our lives and relationships.
I maintain a relentless curiosity about the context in which a person's story has unfolded. Present day functioning holds truths about the impact of these early experiences and exploring these waters requires courage and trusted guidance.
If we take an honest assessment of how we have been harmed, and come to a fuller awareness of where we are, we have more freedom and capacity to create a more vibrant, present and fulfilling life.
I view my life and work through a Christian perspective and worldview. I also value the spiritual beliefs of my clients and do not impose my own. The degree to which clients wish to include spiritual matters as part of their counseling process is solely at their discretion. If necessary, we can openly discuss how to navigate and mutually honor any differences.