Helping people become increasingly adaptable, finding direction, motivation, meaning and purpose in a fast-paced, frustrating and sometimes confusing world is my life’s mission. My dedication to you individually, as a couple or as a family is to coach you to define and reach your goals, discover resolution and develop solutions. Within the acorn lies the oak tree. Just as the oak tree lays dormant within the acorn, I believe the answers dwell inside you. I help you find your own answers. You drive your own change.

No Labeling

Who enjoys being labeled? Most people don't, though sometimes we unintentionally label ourselves: "I'm bipolar," "I'm depressed," "I'm stupid," "I'm anxious." How come we never hear anyone say, "I'm cancer," "I'm diabetes," "I'm the flu?" While you may have a bipolar disorder, anxiety and/or depression, symptoms or any other challenges, these labels do not define who you are as a human being. In our work, you will come to know yourself as separate from self-labeling. As we collaboratively work together in a safe and non-judgmental space without labels, you are free to define who you are and where you want to be in your life.

I consider myself your "personal educator" by helping you learn coping skills, stress reduction, assertiveness -- the information you need to understand and change your behavior, support you with relational issues and conflict resolution. We'll work together to confront past behaviors that are influencing present ones and understand how effects of the past may have on the present time. Therapy approaches I use include:

   * Solution-Focused / Problem-Solving
   * CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
   * ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
   * Supportive Psychotherapy
   * Mindfulness and Relaxation
   * MI (Motivational Interviewing)

I have worked in marriage and family therapy, coaching, and training for a combined total of 7 years with over 2,100 hours of face-to-face client contact. Former and present clients are from culturally diverse backgrounds with different life challenges. My experience includes having worked in the non-profit and private sectors, within clinic and long term residential treatment settings for individuals and their families learning to manage drug, alcohol, and other addictive and mental health challenges. I've provided coaching and therapy to adult individuals, couples and families with older children.

In addition to providing therapy and coaching to individuals, couples and families, I have also provided the following types of services:

   * Nicotine management / cessation
   * Vocational coaching / counseling
   * Addictions Management
   * Assertiveness and other skill-building groups
   * Group therapy
   * Individual, couples and family work
   * Individual and Group Coaching
   * Depression, anxiety and obsessions
   * Gay, lesbian and transgender challenges