Sometimes, the coping that serves you in the short-term can manifest into lifestyles that do not serve you in the long-term. I fell in love with the work and the concept of hope and change.ĭepression, trauma, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships are often debilitating. I began my career as a psychiatric technician working with kids and later in a group home for adults. It’s about my clients and what they hope to achieve, whether in their home or in counseling. Throughout my career – both as a counselor and as a muralist – I’ve come to realize that it’s not about my goals or my expectations. At one point I took a detour and owned my own art studio specializing in trompe l’oeil murals and decorative paintings in homes and businesses. I’ve worn many hats throughout my career, from guidance counselor to case manager to therapist.
When I am not working, I enjoy making my own art and I am a self-proclaimed “foodie.” I also love listening to music, reading, and practicing yoga. Most importantly, I will listen without judgement. As a parent, you can expect to be included with your child in Child Centered Therapy. I offer a broad approach, using client centered therapy, expressive therapy – including art, journaling and movement – as well as Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
If we agree to work together, we will work collaboratively to address the issues you want to address and discover ways to cope with and recover from depression, anxiety, grief/loss, blended family concerns, bi-polar disorder or ADHD. I see children as young as five, adolescents, and adults in all stages of life, and have helped women who are in or recovering from an abusive relationship. My goal is to give my clients a safe place to feel what they need to feel. I earned my master’s degree in art therapy, am a board-certified Art Therapist and have worked as an art therapist in several hospitals and non-profit organizations. The power of art therapy lies in its capacity to allow people to express emotions without using words. I am fully present to the process and experience – which is why I was drawn to art therapy. When I’m making art, I don’t have to filter what I’m creating. I’ve been a therapist for almost 40 years, but I’ve been an artist my whole life. I love to make wearable art, whether it’s clothing or jewelry.
#Synergy counseling free
I provide a free phone consultation to help you decide if I’m the best fit for you.Ī lifelong lover of self-expression – and fashion – I’ve been designing my own clothes since I was a child. I will walk alongside you to create an accepting and challenging space where you can find relief through healing and growth. You may be surprised to hear that one of my favorite moments will be when you have nothing to talk about, because that leaves the door open to meaningful moments where you can grow. I’m not afraid to ask hard questions but am also skilled at creating spaces where we can feel at ease to be wholly ourselves, free of judgment and criticism. I take an empathic approach to counseling, creating safe spaces for you and utilizing client-centered therapy. I work with adolescents as young as 13 years old, folks well into adulthood and later stages of life, as well as LGBTQ+ clients, people living with post traumatic stress disorder, substance use and misuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety (acute and panic disorder), and depression. I specialize in understanding trauma, mental health concerns, and relationships. I’ve spent most of my career working in public health – specifically in mental and reproductive health – as a therapist, program developer, and fundraiser. In fact, my first sentence was, “Are you okay?” So, I doubt it was a surprise to anyone when I earned my master’s degree in social work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Even when I was little, I was always checking in on people.