Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God – 2 Cor 1:3-4

Counseling doesn’t have to be scary. Asking for help when you are struggling is not a weakness. Having the courage to look inside yourself, and choose to work toward a better life, actually shows great strength. The reason I became a counselor is because years ago an amazing Christian counselor helped me through a difficult divorce. I may not know your particular circumstances, but I know what it is like to have pain, feel depression and anxiety, experience relationship and work issues, and grieve the loss of people I love. I also know what it is like to be an overcomer.  It is in my most difficult times that I grow closest to God. When overwhelmed with life, I’ve learned to try to change my focus to be overwhelmed with God instead.

My educational background includes a Certificate in Pastoral Leadership and Counseling from Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia and a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. For over 15 years I have worked with many amazing adolescents, adults, and couples to address various life struggles such as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Work Stress, Grief and Loss, Work / Life Balance, Boundary Setting, and Substance Abuse. As a Navy Veteran, I can relate to challenges faced by Military members and their families. I also have a heart for working with single women and have written many articles about finding contentment in singleness.

I consider myself part teacher, helping clients learn healthier ways of coping - and part cheerleader, encouraging them along the way.  I believe the therapeutic relationship is a partnership, working together to help clients achieve specific goals they set for themselves through Solution-Focused Therapy. My favorite techniques are: “Crushing” Automatic Negative Thoughts (“ANTS”) by redirecting and reframing situations to experience a more helpful, balanced view using CBT, and Confronting and Accepting experiences, feelings, and thoughts to stop overthinking and struggling against them using ACT. I also work with clients from a variety of spiritual beliefs and backgrounds. For those who are interested in Faith-Based Counseling, a Christian worldview can be integrated to focus on ways the Word of God speaks into your life and current situation.

THERAPY AT THE RANCH

When I’m not in the office you might find me hanging out with the goats. They are wonderful companions, often as friendly and attentive as dogs. Goats are intelligent, affectionate, and entertaining. They will follow you around and look you in the eye, as if they are asking you to pet and play with them. Interactions with animals have been shown to decrease levels of anxiety and depression, and lower blood pressure.  Animals also show an unconditional love that humans can’t – one that mirrors the love God has for us. Besides the goats, there are also opportunities to spend time with horses or go for a “walk and talk” enjoying the beautiful scenery of Corrales.

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