About

Our Challenge…

As humans, we all struggle with self-criticism. While taking an honest look at oneself is important, we tend to be too hard on ourselves. We’ve all heard that little voice in the back of our heads saying, “You aren’t good enough.” By understanding the uses of that little voice, we can compassionately let go of how it has protected us in the past and “helped” us, and learn that we no longer need it in order to thrive.

Do you hear yourself saying…

I am bad at that…
I am trying to figure that out…
I have got to get over that…
It’s stupid I feel this way… 

I believe that when we treat ourselves with curiosity and compassion, rather than criticism, we discover who we are. Then, once we are acquainted with our truest self, we can better see the changes to our lifestyle and behavior that are necessary to reach our fullest expression. 

I will work with you to explore the things about you that make you feel whole, aligned, and authentic, and help you strategize what works for you to maintain an ongoing balance of self discovery, growth, and acceptance. 

My Story

Like all humans, my outlook on life is a product of my own personal experiences. Briefly, I will say, that prior to becoming a psychotherapist, which I have now been for 12 years, I worked for 11 years with adults with developmental disabilities, I spent time as a Wilderness Therapist in southern Utah, have deep roots in, and passion for art, music, and poetry, and am a lucky adoptive parent. These truths, more than any others, have formed the three pillars of my therapeutic philosophy: change and healing come from our compassionate understandings of root causes, nature is a powerful tool in helping clients reach their potential, and writing and poetry can provide a well of self discovery and self acceptance. When we shed our inner critique and accept all that makes us who we are, we begin to truly nurture ourselves.

I formed this first pillar while working with adults with developmental disabilities and their family caregivers as a vocational caseworker. In many ways this was my damascene period for pursuing counseling itself. I recognized, in my work with this population, that there was an emphasis on “fixing” unwanted behavior with tactics, incentives, and award programs, and less thought given to the root causes of unwanted behavior. Seeing this as a crucial missed step toward desired change, I began investigating root causes with my clients, soon reaching more optimal outcomes. As I expanded my work to counseling individuals, couples, and families as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I found this to be true for all people! We can’t fix ourselves with just will-power and a promise of reward. We need to give attention and understanding to the shadow sides of ourselves that we avoid, as this avoidance limits potential change and acceptance in our behaviors, actions, and responses.

A similarly eye opening experience occurred while working as a Wilderness Therapist in northern Utah. I came to see, first hand, the power of incorporating nature into the healing process. To this day, I incorporate into my practice this understanding of how nature can be a teacher, guide, and model for humans. When we witness and observe how the natural world navigates adversity, unexpected change, and growth without apology or shame, we, too, can practice for ourselves a paralleled process.

While clearly, I have enjoyed a variety of vocational and community based experiences, throughout all of them there has been one singular throughline: writing. I ran a support group for other adoptive parents, where writing was used for processing specific feelings and issues related to being an adoptive parent. During my work with adults with disabilities and their caregivers, I started a variety of expressive writing groups for all members of the family and the professionals who performed direct service. Throughout my life, I’ve collaborated with musicians and other artists, combining poetry, music, and visual art. For years, I took part in a contemplative writing group practicing mindfulness through the writing process. Upon moving to an avalanche prone ski town in Northern Utah, I saw a need for community members isolated by the rigors of mountain life and first responder trauma and started a self care writing group. In my private practice, I specifically offer Poetry Therapy as a service, which I have seen work wonders both in my own life and in my client’s lives. I believe that by centering poetry and the written word in the counseling process, we are able to reach new heights of introspection and understanding. By channeling our voices through a creative medium, we can feel a greater sense of agency and safety while working on ourselves.

As you can see, my life has formed me, the same way that your life has formed you. I promise that this is a genuine passion. That helping others learn to accept their whole and true selves is my greatest purpose. I promise I won’t judge you. I promise to help you not judge yourself. And, I promise that, together, we can work towards you becoming the person you want to be and already are.

Ready to learn more about you?