Glad to have you here! I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, and a professional. Throughout my life in these different roles, I’ve become a believer in the strength, growth and resiliency of the human spirit. I honor the courage it takes to face your fears and to look for a way to connect and find yourself through the struggles of life. I am humbled to embark on the journey of healing and hope with you.
I graduated with my M.S. in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2012. I received my full license in November of 2019 #2576. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Applied Child Studies from Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) in Calgary, AB, Canada. Between my degrees I worked in Residential Treatment with at risk youth in Canada for two years. Personally and professionally, I have been through many experiences that have lead me to where I am today.
As a marriage and family therapist, I frequently work with individuals, couples, and families. I frequently work with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, marital issues and family conflict. My training comes from a systems perspective. Systems works with the relationships and cycles of interaction between persons. Within the context of systems that may be affecting one’s life, issues such as gender, culture, work, family, education and spirituality are considered. During our first couple of sessions, we will set specific goals to accomplish based on what brought you to seek treatment. We will work together to find solutions. I believe the relationship between the therapist and the client is essential for successful treatment and ultimately for healing to occur. Healing takes longer than the length of our sessions therefore therapy work may also include assignments and homework.
The approaches that I use in treatment vary but typically include: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness influenced, Narrative and Solution Focused/Brief therapies. I also have specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Parts and Memory Therapy. I come from a strength-based lens. My approach is very collaborative, creating a strong therapeutic relationship and providing a safe environment to discuss any obstacles that arise. I love my work and take great pride in the healing and benefits that come from therapy. I am honored to walk beside you in the journey, one step at a time. I believe everyone deserves the best opportunity to make a positive change in the direction of their lives.
Changing our awareness is the beginning of seeing life in a new way. Only you are able to create changes in yourself and you are responsible for caring for yourself. Progress may look like new ways to challenge old thinking and develop more effective patterns of behavior. I have often observed that there is a strong relationship between the mind and the body. Therefore, it can also be important to examine lifestyle changes that may be needed as well. I also see benefits from incorporating nervous system regulation and focusing on self-compassion. I believe that our body wants to let go of what holds us back in our life even if it feels like we are stuck with no way out. I believe that the best way through our problems is by facing our challenges, even if it happens slowly. Every effort counts towards reaching your goals. I am with you every step of the way as you learn to and apply and integrate techniques and skills from sessions into daily life.
