Background

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

I hold graduate degrees in English/Creative Writing and Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to and during my clinical training, I taught Composition and Creative Writing at both university and community college levels, and Adult Education at The Writing Salon.

I’ve been in the counseling field since 1998 and began practicing psychotherapy in 2000 as part of my graduate work, working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and families. After completing my graduate studies, I gained my clinical hours through two supervised private practices and started my private practice after receiving my license in 2004.

Areas of Experience

• Relationships
• Couples Counseling
• Separation and Divorce
• Depression and Anxiety
• Identity and Life Direction
• Transitions
• Men’s Issues
• Sexual Performance Anxiety
• Addiction and Substance Use

Psychological Theories Informing My Practice

Existential Psychotherapy

Existential psychotherapy centers on the belief that we create our own values and meanings. It emphasizes personal responsibility and authenticity. Clients are encouraged to discover their unique purpose and take ownership of their actions and decisions. For instance, when mistakes are made, they can be viewed as learning opportunities, fostering growth and responsibility.

Existential psychotherapy is based on the belief that human beings create their own values and meanings.

Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic Therapy focuses on the whole person and their potential for growth. It recognizes that we all seek meaning, value, and creativity in our lives. Clients are seen as more than their issues or diagnoses, and together, you’ll navigate your desires and responsibilities, working toward the life you envision.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Theory explores how the unconscious mind and early experiences influence present behavior. While the past isn’t the sole focus, understanding past relationships can shed light on current dynamics. This approach helps clients recognize patterns and influences from family, school, peers, and other relationships.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy focuses on how interactions with others shape self-perception. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe space to explore and experiment with new behaviors and beliefs. By understanding these patterns, clients can improve their interactions and relationships outside of therapy.

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary Psychology explores how behaviors and mental processes have been shaped by evolutionary forces. Many psychological traits are adaptive responses from our ancestral past. This perspective provides strategies for well-being and resilience, helping clients navigate relationships and manage emotions more effectively by understanding how certain behaviors and emotional responses, like anxiety or social dynamics, may have evolved for survival and how they can be adapted for modern life. Evolutionary Psychology social anxiety might stem from an ingrained survival mechanism where group acceptance was crucial for our ancestors. In therapy, understanding this can help clients recontextualize their anxiety, seeing it as a natural response rather than a personal failing. This awareness allows for the development of strategies to adapt these ancient responses to modern life, fostering resilience and well-being.

Neuroplasticity and Brain Function

neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—offers hope and practical strategies for overcoming challenges. By drawing on insights from neurobiologists like Robert Sapolsky and David Eagleman,, therapy can harness the brain’s potential to form new neural connections. This empowers clients to realize that their brains are capable of change, providing pathways to building new habits and enhancing mental health and well-being.