Life never takes a straight path. I know mine hasn’t. For more than 10 years, I’ve been practicing as a licensed mental health therapist, and prior to that I’ve spent time in the corporate sector and in the middle-school classroom. Though my titles have changed through the years, the constant has been that I’ve always been a trainer, mentor, coach and educator committed to helping others, which I believe makes me a therapist with a great deal of substance and life experiences to draw from.
I’ve gone through lengthy and specific education to be in my current role, but that doesn’t make me an expert in your life. I am trained to work collaboratively with you to find action-orientated solutions that help you gain control of your life. Though my techniques apply to all individuals, I have found that my work developing skills to break through the challenges that young adults, adolescents, and women experience to be my areas of expertise.
All of my work experiences illuminated how words can have a negative impact on young people and the adults they become, which inspired me to write my book: “Toxic Terms: 10 Things Never to Say to Kids…But What You Can Say Instead”, available for purchase Here.
I’ve lived and worked in many different places, within the US and internationally—with each experience showing me that we are more alike than different. Currently, I live in southern Colorado on a beautiful mountain property with my husband, speaker, author and trainer, Clancy Clark. We live among the beautiful surroundings of nature where I spend my free time rock and ice climbing, goat packing or just spoiling my dogs, goats and donkey.
Tending to our animals has helped me understand the importance of creating nurturing environments and taught me that some things are outside of our control. I also believe that my experience as a climber has shown me that even the littlest adjustments one makes can have a big impact.
Mission: To provide high-quality therapy at an affordable price
My approach:
There’s my psychology background training approach and then there’s the real, straight-shooting of how I conduct my therapy style.
Here’s the real version of my approach.
I use a variety of proven methods in my counseling to help you get unstuck. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression or are ready for a change, I’m not here to give you the answers but use my techniques to help you find the answers within you. I see myself as your biggest champion, and together we will use the skills you already possess to take steps towards positive change.
I want to see that you can move on with your life without a therapist. We’ll touch a bit on your past, but you need to move forward. My approach is to help you make tiny adjustments that help you regain a positive sense of purpose. Little changes can absolutely lead to a bigger life!
I like to explain my therapy style in terms of climbing. Climbing requires problem-solving skills to overcome difficult challenges. Life is the same. I imagine myself as a client’s belayer, supporting you as you move upwards to the top where you can enjoy both the sense of accomplishment and the view.
I use several modalities with my clients, including traditional talk therapy, coaching techniques, Solution-Focused and Strengths-Based approaches, and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). As a certified fitness trainer and nutrition specialist, I also like to explore physical activity and exercise, as well as facets of diet, and how they impact your life.
The credentials:
Degrees and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Colorado #LPC.0013335
American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise Fitness Nutrition Specialist
National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in Early Adolescent Science (2008-2018)
Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) from AMGA (former)
Member
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
North American Pack Goat Association (NAPgA)
Education
BS in Agriculture from University of Florida
MS in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University