“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.”
-Viktor E. Frankl-
Journey
After I graduated with my B.A. in 2000, I entered the business world. After a week I knew I was in a job and place that wasn’t a right fit for me. However, I was one of many new graduates who had a degree in hand and no idea what to do with it or how to make my mark on the world. I’ve read before that creative individuals sometimes have a harder time deciding on a career, and this was certainly true for me. I could see myself being happy and flourishing in a variety of settings, but where to start? I spent the next several years doing some self-exploration and narrowing down what it was that I wanted from my life and in my work. During that time, I spent valuable hours sorting through my own rubble of issues and challenges by working with a wonderful therapist. Therapy allowed me to realize who I was…and also who I wasn’t. I moved into a place where I began to love and appreciate all the parts of me, not just the parts I perceived to be acceptable to others. I also arrived at a conclusion of what was most important to me for my career. At the top of my list: helping others, working in an environment where I could exercise my creative thought and analytical mind, providing a safe space where people unfold their struggles and challenges and move toward healing, connection, and growth. I wanted a dynamic career with opportunity for constant learning.
I don’t let myself get bored, and my job as a therapist is never boring. I love that in my field, I am always discovering and developing ways to help people heal, connect, and grow. I get to help others become and learn and expand into who they want to be. I have the best job, and it’s my privilege to be invited into the story that is your life.
Interests
A big part of why I chose to be a therapist is my curiosity around psychology- the science of who we are as individuals and how we show up in our relationships. I actually love spending my free time learning more about the field that I’m in, whether it’s a course in relationship counseling, an Irvin Yalom book, continuing education on working with trauma, or having discussions with colleagues about existentialist-humanistic psychology or the philosophical process of inquiry. Additionally, I love to read- one of the sad tragedies in life is that there will never be enough time to read the mountains of books I’m interested in. I love hiking, yoga and running. I recharge with music, podcasts and audiobooks. My life is full: a beautiful chaos interspersed with pockets of calm and renewal. Connection is an important part of it, whether connecting with my loved ones or to my clients at work, being out in nature, or recharging in quiet moments and not so quiet moments.
I don’t disconnect who I am as a therapist with who I am outside of my office; what I do in my work is a daily part of the person I am in each place and interaction of my life, and it shows up in everything I do.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication, University of Colorado (2000)
- Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Services, University of Colorado (2008)
Licenses
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- EMDR therapist
Specialties/Areas of Focus
Professional Affiliations
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- American Counseling Association
- American Mental Health Counselors Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors