About
“The real and lasting practice for each of us is to remove what obstructs us so we can be who we are.”
–Mark Nepo
You know where you want to go, but –
Every day, you’re faced with the ways that trauma and anxiety continue to shape your life.
You can feel it holding you back, trapping you in the past, and you feel powerless to move past it. You want to feel fully alive and well, in mind and body.
But you don’t know how to get there.
I’ve been right where you are.
I have my history of life-jarring events and am all too familiar with the pain you’re up against.
Having been through therapy myself, I know the closed-off feelings trauma creates.
I’ve experienced the vulnerability and fear of expressing my most profound truths. I knew I wanted to serve others in similar situations between my life story and recovery process.
And I can help.
In my time sitting with adults and children shaped by trauma, I’ve learned to listen in a totally open way.
Before sharing everything you need to share, we have to develop trust and respect.
A counseling environment with me is an inherently safe, open space. I will see, hear, receive, and validate you in a way you may never before have experienced.
With 30 years of experience behind me, I’m here to listen to everything you’ve been through – without an ounce of judgment.
You are no longer alone.
We’ll sit together as you share your story of pain and heartache. There will be tears, tender moments, confusion, adjustments, and surprisingly, even some laughter.
Together, we’ll work to find your voice, to share the painful truths that keep you from living the life you want. We’ll weave your story through each of our sessions.
You’ll learn to rely on yourself and your own ability to process your feelings whenever life brings pain, shock, or loss.
You will discover the ability to heal, recover and reclaim the part of you that has frozen in time, numbed and unable to move on.
In those moments, you’ll find your breath, slow down within, and connect with your heart and mind.
From there, you can take control of your next steps.
Discover the power you hold within.
Reach out to me today.
Your counseling with me here in Claremont will help you realize – and capitalize – on the resilience you already have.
And together, we’ll create new ways for you to live your life with more joy, love, and freedom.
About Me
A Witness of Change
For the past 30 years plus, I have been sitting with people of all ages (childhood through adulthood) and listening to their life stories of bravery and survival – from cruel and heartbreaking life events that have changed their life forever.
Trauma was my primary focus for the first ten years; as time has passed, it’s expanded to the full spectrum of anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.
It all started the week I graduated from high school.
I met with a series of major unexpected changes and losses. But I didn’t seek any help or support – I went straight into surviving in life.
I know what it is to feel broken, lost, vulnerable, unable to fully explain what is happening within, and sit before a stranger and share my story of pain, confusion, and loss.
Two weeks before my wedding, I became a full-time parent – of my new husband’s children.
The other major life event was my dad’s diagnosis of an incurable form of leukemia – nothing like real life to bring me to my knees.
I was in over my head…
And I knew it.
I became aloof, numb, isolated, and withdrawn.
I wasn’t a mindful, strength-based loving parent or partner.
I knew I needed help, and so the search for a therapist began.
It took me a few tries to find one best matched with me, but I did get into therapy six months after my wedding.
I recall how the therapeutic alliance began gingerly and evolved into trust and eventually relief while I learned new skills to heal, recover, and reclaim myself.
My process in therapy took time, a lot of mindful work, and courage.
But it was worth it.
I made a life-changing transformation for the better!
Dad’s diagnosis became my wake-up call to return to college, where I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Meanwhile, Dad became a miracle and survived to live another 33 years.
Therapy became my saving grace with each shocking life change.
You’ve come to a crucial crossroads.
And you must decide which path you will take.
Planned and unplanned significant life changes can either crush you –
OR motivate you to seek help and support, face what’s before you, and learn how to move forward in life with more heart, love, and joy than you ever imagined.
This is my calling – to be with you as you begin your journey to start processing what has broken your heart, spirit, and soul.
I look forward to connecting and working with you as you discover hope, courage, and compassion for yourself amid your unexpected life-changing event.