I wanted to involve myself in a profession dedicated to helping people explore who they really are, what they really want, and which thoughts and behaviors enhance their experience of valued living. I believe that helping others through connected relationships that are grounded in presence, acceptance, and growth is what helps us continue growing and learning, ourselves. I believe the counseling relationship is a model and experiential practice for the compassionate, dialectical, and emotionally-attuned relationship we must have with ourselves and others. 

Every small step you take in the direction of your chosen values is a victory because you are rewiring your brain each time.

Emotions themselves inspire me. Sometimes I like to focus on one emotion at a time and imagine back to a time when I felt it…what was happening? How did the experience change me? Emotional awareness is often a large conductor of our most vivid and meaningful experiences. In the words of Dan Siegel, founder of Interpersonal Neurobiology, “Our emotions and our interests harness our attention and reinforce learning.

Clients can expect that I will create a safe space for them to share openly, without criticism and judgment, about whatever it is they want most to talk about…whatever is causing them the most pain or confusion. They can expect to participate with me in this emotional, physical and thoughtful presence, involving curiosity, and even playfulness at times, which will serve as a core environment for the rest of our sessions on their therapeutic journey. 

I spend a lot of my spare time keeping up with counseling-related research and seeking continuous education through professional trainings and podcasts. In the worlds of exercise, hobbies, and leisure, I love working out and swimming, practicing music and songwriting, attending concerts and plays, supporting local music venues and artists, and watching films and documentaries.