Greetings! I am a licensed professional counselor dedicated to helping others find wholeness and meaning in their lives. This desire came as a result of several factors in my life. Growing up in my family certainly had it's challenges. Some of these challenges dealt with abandonment and abuse. Struggling with my sense of purpose and my faith, I went in search of answers. Added to this, a fascination for human behavior, an interest in the dynamics of relationships, and a deep compassion for the hurting, I became an eager student in the study of psychology.

    I soon learned that discovering how others behaved and interacted also meant looking at myself. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery (over the course of several years), with the help of professors, mentors, pastors, and counselors, proved to be one of the most difficult, but also most rewarding times of my life. Following this time, I learned that one of my strengths was the ability to take on the feelings of others, almost as if I was experiencing them myself.  This created an empathic atmosphere which allowed for healing.  However, never taking this for granted, I work with individuals to: 1) attempt to fully join them in their experiences, and 2) explore with them to discover what underlies those experiences, and look at how this is connected to their thoughts and feelings. I strive to offer a safe, non-judgmental place to examine this in depth. We also work on some very practical aspects, such as learning coping skills, relaxation, journaling, and other useful skills personalized for each individual.

    One of the things that makes my therapy approach and experience unique in working with chronic conditions is that I personally deal with chronic illness, and was recently diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Dealing with IC and other chronic, but manageable conditions, I am well aware of what it is like to live with a difficult health condition on a daily basis.  I understand having to make adjustments to my lifestyle in order to manage my symptoms, and to learn to never let go of my hope and my faith that gets me through each day.  It has made me realize that I can't take anything for granted.  On the bad days I am thankful for the simple blessings (like a heating pad and warm tea), and on the good days I try to embrace all that life has to offer!

    After hours of research on the topic of IC, and learning of the despair, hopelessness, high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide associated with this illness, I felt an overwhelming desire to reach out to others diagnosed with IC and offer hope and encouragement. There are many reasons to be hopeful, and there are many ways to achieve a fulfilling and remarkable life!!  I love the words "embrace the struggle," recently spoken by Zig Ziglar, a well-known motivational speaker.  This concept has allowed me to better accept my struggles, making them mine, and then working towards bringing something good out of the struggle.

    I invite you to join me on the path of self-discovery, and learn more about taking back your life--I am confident that you will not be disappointed in the journey!