I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I obtained my license as a professional counselor in Oklahoma in 2013 and have 13 years experience in clinical work. I have long held a love for psychology, a curiosity about the human spirit and the mind body connection. As a former competitive figure skater I first became interested in psychology as a way to manage anxiety about athletic performance and that curiosity has continued to grow and evolve throughout my life.
I am inspired by the power of movement, the arts, nature and literature as an expression of the depth and complexities of what it means to be fully human and to struggle with meaning making in our lives. I consider it an honor and a privilege to walk compassionately with others on their life’s journey toward understanding, healing and growth. I love my work and am passionate about empowering others to know themselves more honestly, find their voice, feel seen and heard and move in an authentic direction in their lives. My work is informed by Psychodynamic/Relational theory, Attachment theory, and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
I see the therapeutic relationship as a unique professional relationship that affords us the space to know ourselves more fully by exploring our innermost thoughts and feelings, and to be curious about how our minds work in an effort to bear or resolve emotional pain and distress. I aim to help promote personal growth through the development of awareness, reflection, compassion and emotional regulation. Often the problematic symptoms we experience are a result of our mind’s creative attempt to keep painful emotions out of our awareness in order to protect ourselves. Living with parts of our emotional experience quarantined from our awareness may leave us feeling numb, detached or like we are going through the motions and devoid of a sense of vitality, aliveness and connection in life. Therapy aims to help us experience the full range of emotions and to integrate all parts of our experience into our story to help us feel connected to both ourselves and the world around us. It is a process that requires safety, respect, collaboration and commitment. It is an investment in the quality of our lives.
I am President of the Oklahoma Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (OSPS) and have actively served on the Board for over 7 years. I have completed 3 courses of study through OSPS in the Foundations of Psychoanalytic Thought and have completed a 16 hour training certificate in Applied Polyvagal Theory for Yoga Therapeutics. I maintain or exceed yearly continuing education requirements as set forth by the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure. I am also an approved LPC Supervisor and provide clinical supervision to candidates working toward licensure as well as consultation to other licensed professionals.
You probably arrived here because you are seeking help, understanding, change or support. I invite you to explore and see if you think I may be of help to you. I understand that reaching out itself is a brave and courageous action. I am here to help.
License, Certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Oklahoma Lic #5064
- Prepare/Enrich Relationship Assessment Facilitator
Associations
- President Oklahoma Society for Psychoanalytic Studies
- Member American Counseling Association
