How Therapy with Me is Different
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work primarily with couples, and with individuals who are struggling with relational complexities. I also work with families of adult children. As a relational therapist, I work collaboratively with my clients. What this means is that through conversation, we explore the realms of your life, including your relationships, your work, your family, and anything else that might be helpful. Together we figure out what the problem is, and then we define tangible goals to help you achieve the outcome that you desire.
I also help couples, families, and individuals to manage, leave, and recover from toxic relationships with people who lack emotional intelligence, empathy, and accountability. These kinds of relationships happen in families, in romantic partnerships, in work situations, and in friendships. The dysfunction is typically multi-layered, and it can be very difficult to resolve. I’m often asked about narcissistic personality disorder (NPD); specifically, whether it’s possible to change a relationship with a narcissist from unhealthy to healthy, and how to heal from years of narcissistic abuse. My perspective is that in some of these relationships, change is indeed possible, but where very unbalanced and unhealthy patterns exist, a lot of work in therapy is required for sustained change to take place. In my experience working with narcissists, and with those they are in relationship with, the real growth and change occurs for the ones that have been on the receiving end of the toxicity and the abuse. This change usually takes place over time, once new and healthy boundaries are established and maintained. This is a very complicated relational dynamic. Let’s talk!
My Story
First, let me start by saying that I feel very lucky to be a relational therapist, doing the work that I love, while helping others to find what they love too. It’s taken some time to get here. Before becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, I had a whole different life…
Prior to pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling, I had a former career as an executive in business and in product development for the DIY craft industry. I spent a lot of time analyzing lifestyle trends and coming up with new ways for people to express their creative selves. An interesting career for sure, but it took a toll, with all the travel away from my family and the stress of always producing greater results. If I had it to do all over again, would I approach those years in the same way? I’m not so sure, but probably not.
I’ve found that time itself can be healing, and I’ve been blessed in lots of ways, through my faith, and with my family. Things weren’t easy – I experienced many of the struggles that may be bringing you into therapy today. Relationship doubts, parenting, the empty nest, geographical moves, new careers, financial stress, new marriage at mid-life, blended families, aging parents, illness, and the painful loss of loved ones. I bring a unique perspective to how a therapist can help clients to find their voices, to embrace their strengths, and to manage their expectations.
I graduated from the Master of Arts in Counseling program at St. Edward's University, with a dual concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Counseling. I love continuing to learn about human nature, and our deep desire for connection. I’ve had the pleasure of ongoing training in both PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) as well as in IMAGO therapy. Both models are evidence-based, as well as results oriented, and I utilize techniques from these theories in my work with clients. I find it exhilarating to experience my clients’ A-HA moments when they begin to effectively implement new communication styles and tools for conflict resolution. Their lives evolve in meaningful ways; they experience acceptance, connection, and love as never before. It’s a beautiful thing to be part of, and I am grateful to witness their change.