People do the most interesting things and I have always been curious why. As a child, my mother and I would sit together in the mall and just watch people walk by. She would notice if someone looked sad or tired and ask me what I thought might be happening in that person's life. I learned early to be compassionate to people when others might be judgmental or impatient. And, I really like people! They're cool!

Every client brings a distinct set of characteristics and experiences to a session. I enjoy people who are curious about themselves and want to learn more about their own inner workings so they can live a fulfilling life. Anyone who begins counseling is courageous. So, my assumption about a first meeting is "This person is brave." I want to be brave too and be present for all the 'stuff' that comes up in this life. It's collaborative and can be exciting.

I love working with mature clients who bring perspective and wisdom to the conversation. We learn together as we talk and challenge each other to grow. I am motivated strongly by a client who is feeling as if they are somehow missing something or removing themself from a full and engaged life because of some perceived flaw in them. I am not afraid to delve into history, experiences and even the trauma that we don't even know we have. You are a valuable person and deserve to live and live well.

There is no judgment here. No matter what kind of situation you find yourself in, there is always a place to be heard and accepted. I believe people do the best they can with what they have at the time and the belief guides my interactions with my clients and those that they hold dear. No judgment on you or those who are important. We are looking for ways to live and feel better.

Thriveworks has, from the beginning, prioritized the experience of the client. My clients can reach me anytime via email and I have been known to respond at 3 am. I first heard of Thriveworks on an NPR program years ago and I thought that if I could ever become part of a Thriveworks practice, that would be the best possible place to be. There is a culture of compassion, support, collegiality and trust in our profession that keeps me promoting Thriveworks to my colleagues AND even my daughter who is just beginning her career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I know that I am supported by Thriveworks to take really good care of my clients.

I have young adult daughters and they are trying to navigate a sometimes hostile world with expectations and judgments. I want to provide a space in the week, where anyone can have a place to rest and be authentic. If each of us can find that space to be real and find peace in our own hearts, then all our children will have access to honest and transparent guides and mentors that can move our society forward to be just a bit kinder for the next generations.

A first session is easy and relaxed. I am interested in getting to know you and what brings you in to talk. I am happy to answer your questions and do everything I can to make this a stress free and comfortable place to spend an hour. We will talk about what is happening right now that makes things tough and we will also spend some time exploring a little of your past so that I can understand your 'big picture' too. Of course, we will discuss what your expectations are of counseling and what you hope can happen as a result. It's a pathway that the client and I plot together.

In the first session, we are establishing trust in the potential of the therapeutic relationship and also an understanding of where the client is hoping to go in therapy. You are the expert in the room and I am a resource for you. My goal for the first session is simply to get to know each other and begin the establishment of a comfortable and relaxed relationship where the client feels heard and important. Let's just get to know each other.

I love hanging out with my 3 daughters and an Australian Shepherd. And when the weather is just right (meaning no snow or rain), my partner and I go cruising through the countryside with our Corvette Club. We spend a lot of time in the mountains, and I enjoy the smell of an outdoor fire and mown grass. I can be seen hauling wood, blowing leaves (SOOO much fun) and desperately trying to find vegan recipes that my meat-eating partner doesn't know isn't real meat. Shhhh....

I am a very proud Mom. At the end of my days, my daughters will be my joy and legacy. Being a mother has been the most long-lasting and life-giving identity of my life and I am so grateful to my girls for this gift.