therapy approach

My approach to therapy is tailored to each client and what they want to gain from therapy. I use a combination of philosophies and models to guide you in exploring both the present and past in a safe, collaborative space to discover how to move forward to relieve symptoms, manage life more effectively and form deeper connections with yourself and others.  

Internal Family Systems (IFS) – despite its name, it is NOT family therapy. This experiential model helps clients explore what is driving their behavior and heal the obstacles that may get in the way.

Systems theory, which helps clients understand the context influencing their behaviors (family, work, community) and how to effectively change our role in those systems.

Nonviolent communication model - increases our capacity for self-compassion as well as compassion for others, which allows us to communicate with clarity and love more fully. 

My leadership and business coaching training also armed me with a solid understanding of how goal-oriented, solution-focused tools can be very powerful in certain situations. Cognitive behavioral tools to understand how our thinking patterns may be counter-productive can be an important part of making change and getting to goals. 

My education and training, as well as personal experience, with addiction issues in my family has given me a solid understanding of chemical dependency recovery and 12-step programs as well as other approaches to the treatment of addiction.

My own life has given me a strong belief in the resilience of human beings and the possibility of healing for individuals, families, and communities.

Bio:
I earned my Master’s in Counseling from St. Edwards University in 2002.

Staff member for Intimacy from Inside Out trainings (IFIO) 2018-present
Program Assistant for Internal family systems (IFS) trainings 2017-present
ETT Emotional Transformation Therapy (2019, 2020)
Non-violent Communication (NVC) trainings (2017, 2018, 2021)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level Two Trauma & Neuroscience (2016)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level Two, Couples Therapy -Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) (2015-2016), Advanced IFIO (2018- 2019)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level One (2015)
Somatic Experience training (2014)
Gottman Couples Levels One and Two training (2013)
Brene Brown - Connections curriculum (2013)

July 2015 - present. Private practice
July 2013- June 2015 - Counselor at ApaCenter (Austin Psychological and Assessment Center) couples counseling and individual counseling
2009- College of Executive Coaching, coach certification
2000- 2003 -
Life Empowerment Center - ADHD coaching
Capital Area Counseling - family counseling, couples counseling & individual therapy
Shoal Creek Hospital - chemical dependency counseling
Worker's Assistance Program - crisis counseling