Specialty Areas & General Concerns

Many people struggle as adults due to issues stemming from childhood family of origin issues that continue to show up in our adult relationships or from a series of unhealthy adult relationships that wall us off emotionally. Trauma can be due to repeated and long-standing emotional, mental, physical, religious, or narcisstic abuse that negatively impacts a person’s psyche and sense of belonging and self-worth. Sometimes, a single traumatic event can leave us feeling psychologically shattered and unable to move on. Through focusing on self-compassion and healing the wounded part that is stuck, we can work together to get you to heal from your past hurts and fully embrace your present life.

Thinking outside of one’s circumstances to gain deeper meaning often times helps clients gain perspective and reframe their thinking and begin to shift their lives in a new direction. You are not alone and we serve a God who cares deeply about you. Many of my clients who have sought out faith-based counseling have greatly benefited from the power of prayer for support and leaning into Biblical scripture and principles for guidance to overcome challenges. Surrendering our situation to God while getting the support we need can have positive, long-standing implications in learning to trust that with Him, we can overcome our greatest challenges and gain strength to move forward despite adversity.

With two decades of experience in education, I know the triumphs and challenges that teachers and administrators face as they selflessly serve their school and community with a servant heart. Educators are near and dear to my heart. Education is a noble and honorable profession, yet often-times leaves little room for self-care due to the many demands educators face. You might be feeling the signs of burn out and need support in regaining your energy and motivation. You might also need support in setting boundaries to avoid your plate being so full, leaving no room for you and your needs. I work with educators to get back to a place of optimal wellbeing as they continue to care for others.

Being a first generation American is a unique identity that comes with many benefits, challenges, and possibilities. In many ways, this identity is one of a pioneer, setting the course for many “firsts” along the way for yourself and your family lineage. At times, however, this identify may make one feel lonely, that fitting in is challenging, and not quite knowing for sure who you are in the midst of family traditions and expectations. I can partner with you as you answer the big questions around who you really are as an individual, what dreams you hope to actualize in your life, and how to take steps to get there while honoring heritage.

We all feel sad from time to time, but if you are finding yourself unable to function, feeling like a dark cloud is following you daily and doing small things each day feels like walking with cement blocks on your feet, you may be dealing with depression. Depression comes to visit us all at times, but it does not have to stay. With the right tools to stop thoughts that lead to depression and reframe them into healthier, more beneficial thoughts and learning to cultivate self-compassion, you can learn to deal with depression in an empowered way, so your days are not robbed of joy, peace, and vitality. Instead, you can live each day with clarity and contentment.

At one point or another, we all suffer from anxiety that makes us feeling off kilter at the very least or psychologically paralyzed and unable to live a fulfilling life at best. Anxiety can be situational or it can feel more pervasive. We may just consider it our “normal” to live each day like this and just deal with it. I can help you alleviate your current symptoms and help your nervous system start to regulate into a state of tranquility and relaxation. I will teach you strategies and give you tools to help you find calm in the midst of storms through self-soothing, somatic techniques, and awareness strategies for reframing anxious thoughts.