Hello! I am an experienced clinical social worker, therapist and writer. Currently, I offer online therapy and coaching services to people in Colorado and Wyoming. As a provider for the CO Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the National MS Society, my expertise in counseling people who have disabilities and chronic illness is considerable. This includes working with couples, family members and spousal caregivers.Additionally, I have worked in outpatient mental health settings and social services agencies for the past 25 years. During that time, I provided services to abused women in domestic violence shelters and community support groups, young adults aging out of foster care, children who were abused or neglected and those with most mental health conditions.
My approach to counseling is respectful and collaborative - direct but not confrontational. I am told that I am a great listener, and make people feel safe enough to talk about things that are difficult to discuss. In addition to listening, I provide people with information that will help them better understand their own thinking and behavior, and teach skills and strategies to overcome specific problems. My treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and stress management, solution-focused therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy, to name a few.
As a writer, I have been the expert on OCD at About.com, an expert contributor to DailyRx.com, a regular contributor to Theravive.com, an expert contributor for GoodTherapy.org, Teen Editor of SelfHelpMagazine.com and contributor to several other online health and mental health sites. I write and teach about a range of issues that include parenting, relationships, children and youth, abuse and neglect, chronic illness, living with mental health and other conditions, and more.
As a trainer and teacher, I provide teleconferences and webinars throughout the US, as well as workshops, retreats and other presentations in the Colorado area. I train self help group leaders across the country to facilitate groups for people with MS. Additionally, I train therapists, care managers and social workers in solution-focused counseling, other clinical and coaching skills and mental health conditions.
When I am not working, I spend time with my husband, friends and animals. I currently have a 16-year-old Golden Retriever, a 10-year-old Yellow Lab and a 9-year-old Flame Point Siamese/Manx. PJ, my rescued cat of 18 years, died recently. I volunteer to help people who have disabilities or chronic illnesses take care of their pets so that they can stay together for as long as possible. I also volunteer to do home studies for people who want to adopt dogs through the Retriever Rescue of Colorado, and help with adoption events for Angels with Paws cat shelter.
If you are interested in online or telephone therapy, please contact me for more information. Not all situations and conditions are appropriate for online therapy, but I will discuss the specifics with you and together we will come up with a plan to meet your needs.
Thank you for listening - I hope to hear from you soon!