Special Interests
Approach
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Motivational interviewing (MI), Solution-focused
Therapy Style
I am a highly intuitive therapist, who finds deep satisfaction in helping others. I have worked in some of the most challenging clinical settings to include a forensic psychiatric hospital, criminal justice, community mental health and private practice.
I believe life can be wounding, but in the process of struggling with your wounds you can grow in self-knowledge and wisdom. I love to work with those who want to understand the origins of their problems, who are experiencing problems in their essential relationships, and depression. I believe these issues are often not a mental disorder but all part of the human condition and problems stemming from splitting away from our true selves as a response to developmental stress in our search for love and security.
Education
MSW - Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University
License Number and State
FL 16140
Pronouns
she/her
Why did you become a mental health professional?
Henri Nouwen writes "In our own woundedness we can become a source of life for others." I believe this to be true and I find it deeply satisfying when I can touch, move and inspire another to become their highest selves.
What are your interests outside of work?
Astrology, spirituality, and art.
What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?
Walking, practicing gratitude, and reading.
What book have you read more than once?
Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
The first time I read it I realized I relied on intuition and feelings to make many decisions. I recently picked it up again to understand how the brain works and to learn strategies to help clients increase their critical thinking abilities.
Favorite organization/non-profit?
Smile Train global network of medical specialists change the world one smile at a time by providing free life saving cleft palate surgery to children so they thrive and smile. When I was a girl we fostered a child with a cleft palate and I was very close to her. I believe having the confidence to smile improves our mood and health, changes the way we are viewed by others, can change the course of our lives and change the world.
How do you recharge?
Long walks on the beach, yoga, talking to family.
Do you have any pets?
I have 5-pound Chihuahua, Nala. Nala has been my trusted friend for 11 years; she inspires me with her confidence and fearlessness.
