You Are Resilient

Life is a journey of learning, growing, stumbling, regaining balance, and moving forward. You are resilient, and recovery is always possible. While the past cannot be changed, it offers valuable lessons that shape who we are. Even painful experiences can lead to personal growth. Healthy conflict, when approached with understanding, can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities to learn more about yourself and others.

Everyone has the right to share their experiences, be heard,
and make personal meaning of any pain or suffering.

I believe therapy is a collaborative effort, and it is a privilege to work alongside clients to create the meaningful change they desire. The relationship between the client and therapist is foundational to our work together, as trust and understanding foster a safe space for growth. I strive to understand each client's unique learning style, using a personalized approach that draws on their individual strengths, interests, and needs.

I specialize in supporting individuals, families, and couples who are navigating challenges such as relationship conflict, anxiety, trauma, depressive symptoms, self-esteem/self-worth, work-related stress, breakups/divorce, family discord, addiction, as well as issues related to gender and religion. My goal is to provide the tools, insights, and compassionate support that clients need to overcome obstacles and achieve a sense of empowerment and well-being

My dedication is to inspire and encourage others to be empowered and
find their way through troubled times with confidence. I offer an inclusive
 environment for all faiths, sexual orientations, ethnicity, & gender identities.

I earned my Master’s degree from Regis University in 2010 and practice as a strength-based therapist, focusing on clients' positive qualities and inherent strengths. I’m inspired by being aware how all the unspoken pain many carry and feel a deep commitment to making a difference.

My desire to help others has always guided me toward helping professions, ultimately leading me to a career in counseling. Having been a client myself, I am profoundly grateful for the counselor who helped me find meaning in my own experiences, both in childhood and adulthood. This personal journey fuels my passion for helping others, as I know firsthand that change and healing are possible. I believe that mistakes do not define who we are—they are part of our growth, not our identity.

Living is a life-long Journey of Learning

I don't claim to know it all, but I am deeply passionate about exploring your knowledge and sharing mine with you. If there’s ever information you need that I don’t have, I will work diligently to find it or connect you with someone who can provide it. Your growth and well-being are my priority, and I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Why I do What I do

It took time for me to realize the negative impact of growing up in an environment marked by addiction and secrets within my family of origin. My healing began when I understood how those high-conflict relationships and complex situations affected my emotional development and attachments—both in the past and in the present. Counseling helped me recognize that the people around me were doing the best they could, which allowed me to cultivate compassion for myself and others. I also learned the importance of setting healthy boundaries—boundaries that were essential for my own healing, learning, and growth. I am grateful for both the positive and negative experiences in my life, as they have taught me invaluable lessons. I realized that I am not an extension of anyone else; I have my own thoughts, my own voice, and I am responsible for my choices. I am empowered to make better decisions for myself moving forward

My Faith & Personal Choice

As a Christian counselor, I work with individuals from all faiths and belief systems in a meaningful and accepting way. Faith has been an integral part of my own personal journey and healing, and I believe it is important for each person to seek, find, and choose what they believe.

I have successfully worked with non-believers and individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, understanding that faith for me is about the abundance of grace. Healing is a journey that requires unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and compassion as its foundation.

It is not my role or purpose to convince or convert clients. However, if a client asks about my faith, I am open to sharing briefly, and we can explore what spirituality means in their own life. The counseling journey is about you, not me. I have prayed with clients upon request, but I believe that modeling love, acceptance, and respect is the truest form of Christianity.

I honor and support each person’s unique path. I encourage individuals to explore and ask questions, seeking what resonates with them. Research shows that faith and spirituality can promote well-being, reduce anxiety, and offer hope and peace.

Experience & Educational Background

With over 20 years of experience in helping families connect and heal, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face. My early career involved working closely with families of children who struggled with behavioral issues, followed by six years as a clinician in a residential treatment facility where I supported individuals and families through complex challenges.

In 2017, I opened my own counseling practice and have since continued to pursue additional professional licenses and certifications to further enhance my skills and support my clients. I utilize client-centered, realistic, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed approaches in my work, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts and emotions.

For over 15 years, I have been teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other effective therapeutic strategies, and I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), currently working toward full EMDR certification under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.

I am dedicated to continuing my education and have maintained professional licenses in both Colorado and Oregon. As an active member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, I stay current with the latest practices and evidence-based approaches. My goal is to foster a collaborative, supportive environment that builds strong relationships, enhances communication, and empowers clients with practical life skills.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Regis University in 2010 and a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from CU Boulder in 1995. Most recently, I earned my Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in 2023 and have recently earned my Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) license as of January 17, 2025.

On a Personal Note

I raised two children, who are now adults, and have personally experienced the challenges of divorce recovery, co-parenting, and business ownership. I understand the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities and the complexities of these life experiences.

In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities including basketball, racquetball, swimming, dancing, writing, sketching, painting, walking my dogs, watching comedy or suspense shows, and reading. These hobbies provide balance and joy in my life, and I appreciate the value of self-care and pursuing passions outside of work.