I come from a family full of anxiety and depression and know what it is to feel controlled by it, to be ruled by negative thinking and emotions, to be paralyzed by social fears and anxieties. I experienced my first real depression at 15. I suffered silently, wishing I were dead, and no one knew. I also know what it is to be a child of divorce: the brokenness, the hurt, anger, and fears; the loneliness – feeling “different” or like an outcast. I wish someone would have been there to understand, help, and mentor me into adulthood, to give me hope. I went into the counseling field to be that vessel of hope and healing to others.

I believe we are all works in progress, that our life experiences shape us and can make us stronger and wiser if we learn to think, manage our emotions, and problem-solve in healthy, balanced ways. I believe we all crave deep, authentic connection and intimacy and despite dysfunctional backgrounds so we can heal and experience happy and fulfilling relationships with ourselves, God, and others.

I am open and authentic about my own background and experiences– the good, the bad, and the in-between– as I have found that the individuals most helpful to me in my journey have been those who are “real” in admitting their flaws and failures and how they have grown through them. I use a lot of humor, as I believe laughter really is a great medicine. I treat each individual as a person, not a diagnosis, and tailor individual treatment plans accordingly.

I love working with individuals of any age struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem/relationship issues, but particularly teens and young adults. I also have a heart for any individual who has been a child of divorce or dysfunctional parenting. I love helping historically passive people learn to become more assertive and have their voices heard. I love helping individuals of any age overcome emotional barriers to experience healthier, happier, deeper and more fulfilling relationships. I love helping new mothers grow in confidence, embracing and balancing their new role and identity as “mommy”.

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

• Anxiety/Worry

• Depression/Mood Disorders

• Stress Management/Chronic Illness Management/Pain Management

• Relationships/Codependency/Self-Esteem Issues

• Couples Counseling

• Life Transition Issues/New Parenthood

• Divorce Recovery