Being a human being can be a beautiful experience, and it can also be very challenging. When we are struggling, it is easy to feel alone and isolated in our difficulties, creating feelings of sadness, anxiety, frustration and hopelessness. Often, we are aware it is time for a change in our lives, yet we may not know how to begin that journey. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and mindfulness teacher, it is my desire to honor, encourage and support clients through the extraordinary process of change. I believe in every person’s innate ability to learn new skills, adopt valuable tools and uncover unique, beneficial strengths.
I utilize mindfulness, self-compassion, yoga and Hakomi (body Centered psychotherapy) and a humanistic approach to facilitate deliberate and gradual exploration, deepen awareness and shed light on the changes you want to make. Being in the present moment and learning to accept yourself lovingly, gives you opportunities to recognize unconscious patterns and discover new ways of being.
When you are bestowed with time and space and the realization of choices for a more fulfilling life, positive transformation can occur. As your counselor, I am deeply committed to encouraging and supporting you as you release the past, discover your strengths and practice being in the world in a more enriching way.
My Approach
Creating a safe, peaceful space for healing is how I enter the therapeutic relationship with you. I believe in the importance of mindful presence and deep listening which allows you to gain insight into who you are as a person and your current challenges. I understand how cultivating a deep sense of trust and security is integral for the vulnerability often needed for you to turn inward and discover who you are. I believe in your wisdom to heal and uncover the hidden strengths necessary for reestablishing a connection to your true self.
Our bodies hold deep wisdom, which can be discovered when we slow down and turn inward. This introspection using the body can be practiced with mindfulness, yoga and Hakomi. Being present in our bodies allows us to slow down the mind and practice self inquiry. This way of being positively impacts our ability to manage anxiety, discursive thoughts and disconnection from our human body, our home.
My Journey
I have known most of my life that I am on the planet to serve others and support them on their life journeys.
After experiencing a tragic loss in 2003, I was compelled to return to college to deepen my wisdom for helping others. At this time, I was already familiar with mindfulness, due to my experience and training as a yoga teacher, yet desired a deeper understanding of how mindfulness practices and psychology intertwined. Finding Naropa University, a school for contemplative studies was the missing piece, the gem that fulfilled my deep longing for understanding the mindfulness/psychology connection.
Upon completion of my time at Naropa, I felt inspired to continue my learning about how I could learn more skills and deepen my education to be a counselor. At that time I applied for school at CSU. During my college time I completed trainings to teach Mindful Eating, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion along with a 3 year training in the Hakomi Method of Body Centered Psychotherapy. This education and training has taken me on a journey of self discovery, while providing me with the capability to help others on their life journey.
Online Therapy
Your time is valuable and having to travel to a therapist’s office can sometimes be a barrier to getting the support you want and deserve. Studies have shown that video therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy. I use HIPAA-compliant video software that allows you to participate in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Sessions function the same way as in-person therapy without the added time and cost of travel.
