Chronic stress, painful life changes, loss, trauma, illness, or emotional injury within relationships can cause people to develop coping difficulties and emotional and physical symptoms that rob them of their quality of life. Although time alone can sometimes reduce the severity of these symptoms, meaningful resolution of the problems and real psychological growth most often takes place within the context of a supportive and enriching relationship.
As a psychologist, my philosophy incorporates the idea that it is within a nurturing relationship that individuals heal and grow. The quality of the therapist-client relationship is the major vehicle for change. My approach to counseling patients is integrative. I incorporate contemporary psychotherapy models such as family systems, attachment theory, psychodynamic/interpersonal, and cognitive models with a foundation in Christian faith and worldview.
Some of my areas of specialization include treatment of mood disorders, relational problems, women’s psychotherapy, adolescent therapy, play therapy, Christian counseling, and psychological support for people facing major illness. I am interested in helping my clients resolve emotional and interpersonal conflicts, increase their quality of life, build on current areas of strength, develop new areas of competency, and grow in their capacity for contentment, joy, and healthy relationships. My style is collaborative, compassionate, sensitive, warm, and insight-oriented.
I encourage you to contact me for an appointment if you or your child is experiencing:
- Depression, grief, loss
- Excessive or chronic anger
- Difficulty functioning in relationships
- Problematic anxiety and fears
- Symptoms related to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Problems maintaining adequate self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Behavioral problems that affect functioning in relationships, at work, at school
- Troublesome memories and symptoms related to trauma
- Overwhelming levels of stress
- Identity or spiritual crisis
- Parenting problems, family, or couple’s conflict
- Chronic or catastrophic illness
