About
As a certified Emotionally Focused Couples therapist and a marriage and family therapist, I have over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology. My training includes HFI Body-Centered Psychotherapy, Voice Dialogue (parts work) with Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone, EMDR (levels one and two), advanced certification in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), mindfulness-based meditation, and advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I was also on staff with Shakti Gawain for nine years, leading groups and workshops throughout the United States and in Europe. I enjoy working with individual adults and couples.
On a personal note, I’m a mother of 39-year-old twins and a grandmother to a thirteen-year-old boy and a 5-year-old-girl. Although I do not work directly with children or families, I find great satisfaction in supporting parents in listening to what their kids are “saying” with their challenging behavior, and in tuning into their kids’ inner worlds. Often, when children feel truly listened to and have their feelings validated, difficult behaviors subside.
Fulfilling Relationships
Relationship with Self
Do you ever feel that you “lose” yourself when you’re around other people? Or that you have a difficult time “holding onto yourself” with others? Or, perhaps you feel the need to rigidly hold to your own positions and opinions, and would benefit from being more flexible in your relationships.
I can guide you in discovering, acknowledging, and exploring all aspects of yourself. As we make room for, get to know, and make sense of these different aspects, you will develop greater self-awareness and become more comfortable expressing your feelings, needs and opinions. As this healing occurs, you will find that you are better able to listen to other people with greater interest and more openness. Having a stronger and richer relationship with yourself leads to more authentic connections with others.
Couples Relationship
As Harville Hendrix wrote, “You are wounded in relationship, and you are healed in relationship.” Learned historical patterns and unconscious emotions can block your ability to experience the connection and intimacy that you long to have with your partner. Because you care so much, your significant other can bring up your earliest wounding and unconscious negative beliefs, making healthy communication feel almost impossible. Rather than a sign that your relationship isn’t the right one, this can be an opportunity for tremendous healing and growth. I offer strong support and guidance for helping you and your partner get back to the closeness, connection, and intimacy that I believe is possible for everyone.
Relationship with Something Greater than Ourselves
Part of the healing journey involves developing and nurturing your relationship with something greater than yourself. This could be the Earth, a Higher Power, your religion or spirituality, animals, or anything that inspires a sense of awe, wonder or safety for you. If you are open to this, we will use these resources to assist in the healing process and in helping you to have a more fulfilling life.