“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
Who I Am
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I have been working in this field since 2001. I am passionate about what I do and always feel honored for the opportunity to be invited to know someone’s story and to collaborate with them through their life’s journey. I have always been drawn to stories or literature and especially books that so artfully convey the human dilemma and struggle to become, to find peace with ourselves, to grow, and to connect with the world and the people around us. I have also always loved learning, books, science, and had a great curiosity to understand development and child psychology. All of these things come together in my clinical work and in the theories I find useful. In my work I draw from Psychodynamic/Relational theory, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology.
How I see our work together
At some point, we often find ourselves struggling to get past a problem, whether that problem is with an important relationship, or an inner emotional struggle. I enjoy working with others to understand how one came to be in such conflict and how one can move from old ways of coping to newer healthier ways. I believe working from a relational perspective is an important way to create an atmosphere of trust. I strive to help my patients better understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The more we know about ourselves the more freedom we have to make better choices in work, play, and relationships. We often think that if we can keep a painful feeling out of our awareness then we are protecting ourselves. Frequently, it is these unprocessed or conflicted feelings that are contributing to the difficulty we are experiencing. I aim to help a person increase their capacity for emotional regulation/tolerance, connection and adaptability.
Clinical Work
I provide individual therapy, telehealth, and consultation for other Care Giving professionals. I think it is important for therapist to have done their own therapy and to be a part of consultation, and have found both of those very helpful in both my work and my own life. I continue to participate in consultation with more experienced therapists in my field and to stay actively engaged in continuing education and training. I am involved with the Oklahoma Society for Psychoanalytic Studies and have served on their board several times. I have also completed 3 of their Year Long Courses in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
