Hi friend! Welcome to my bio. I'm glad you are here. Very likely - you are here because you are in a vulnerable place in life and need clarity, understanding and direction. I have been in your shoes. I have been on both sides of the counseling couch......as a client...and as a Psychologist. I'm human - just as you - and I know what it is like to live with hurt, injustice, complexities, frustration, shame, and fear. I have lived a lot of life and have much wisdom that comes as a result. I also have ample education, training, and professional experience under my belt! I would love the opportunity to walk by your side on this part of your journey.
About me:
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1993 from the University of Tulsa. Early in my career I worked primarily in inpatient settings conducting psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and conducting group, marital, and individual therapy. After the birth of my two children, I chose to step out of the professional arena for a time in order to stay home and mother my children. Several years ago, I returned full time to my professional life when I took a position with Affair Recovery - an organization specializing in infidelity recovery. From there, I entered full time private practice which is where you will find me today! My practice is located in north-central Austin and I serve clients as far north as Georgetown and as far south as San Marcos. My husband and I attend The Austin Stone church and we have a blended family that includes two young adult sons, one daughter-in-law, and two young adult daughters.
Specializations:
I love working with couples - helping them to work through the issues that keep them from being truly intimate with one another and from enjoying and feeling satisfied with their life together. I also am especially equipped and trained to help couples who are in crisis due to infidelity. I am Gottman Levels I, II, and III trained and can use this approach with couples who are specifically interested in this.
I also love working with women over the age of 18. I work with women on a myriad of issues - relationship, parenting, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, family of origin - to name a few. I am EMDR trained and will use this type of therapy especially where there is trauma or events from the past that remain unresolved.
My Philosophy:
Although I operate from a Biblical worldview - I am very sensitive to and respectful of the worldviews held by my clients. My goal is always to treat people with dignity, warmth and acceptance. I desire to establish a relationship with them that enables them to feel safe and comfortable tackling the issues for which they have come to see me. I believe that people can change when they are accepted and loved right where they are at.
I believe there is something inherent within every person that desires wholeness. I want to help people progress in that direction. I believe that people are not defined by their problems and that failure has the potential to be a great teacher and precursor to success and competency.
Life is about learning to love - Learning to love God - learning to love self - and learning to love others.