My approach is very client centered, directed and driven.    I believe that healing occurs most effectively when life events are witnessed with love and care from a trusted individual.    Often we don't get that unconditional understanding and support from family or friends and thus we seek out someone who can hold that kind of space for us.    The brilliant adage of "the truth will set us free" is a pivotal focus of my approach to healing.   Providing spaces for true authenticity has an immeasurable benefit to our healing journey.   In my experience healing the emotional body can improve mental function, clarity, spiritual connections, and aid in physical health as well.  

I specialize in trauma, family/relational issues, children/play therapy, couples therapy.  I also specialize in abuse, religious deconstruction/trauma, and personality disorders.   I have specializations in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Emotional Intelligence, Play Therapy, Brainspotting (trauma), and systems work.   My degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy therefore my lens is focused on seeing the systemic, environmental and relational components that can create dysfunction, trauma or blocks in our wellbeing. REIKI/energy work and affirmative coaching  

Most clients benefit from regular sessions, either weekly or biweekly, for a minimum of 6-12 months. Change requires some rewiring in the brain and giving ourselves that time is important to create new thought patterns, foster emotional release, learn new approaches and behaviors, etc. I encourage clients to give it some time and not expect immediate results.  It can also take several sessions to build a strong rapport with your therapist, so keep that in mind!

I am happy to conduct in person or virtual therapy sessions.   

I am genuinely interested in the life history of my clients.  I do and will have many questions for clients especially during initial intake sessions.   If clients don't want to discuss something with me, I am perfectly happy with them responding with "I don't feel ready to talk about that" or "I don't know".    Clients are not required to answer questions, but I like them to feel genuine care and concern for their situation, experiences and relational struggles.    I celebrate the client's courage to come to therapy and talk about difficult things.  Let's be honest, it's not always easy or fun.    The word courage comes from the root word "cour" which means heart.  The literal definition means: to tell the truth with your whole heart.    I am always inspired by the raw courage I am witnessing throughout the therapeutic process.  

Absolutely.  I really enjoy family or relational work.  There is so much rapid progress that can happen in this setting.  It is difficult sometimes to get a partner or family member to come in.  I like to have clients ask them "we would really like to get your perspective in our sessions if you'd be willing to come?".  Learning some simple communications skills to work on together, as a team, can really have a significant impact on the health of our relationships. 

I grew up in a LDS home and have an understanding of religious groups.  I consider myself post-LDS as that system wasn't a good fit for me and my family.   I am sensitive to other's beliefs and background while at the same time, I believe that challenging potentially unhealthy systems in our lives is valuable for us.  If individuals really want a therapist who can bring an LDS based approach or an approach that caters to a specific set of beliefs,  it would be helpful to make that clear at the initial intake to see if I can meet the client's needs appropriately.   I really value transparency and informed consent.