We all encounter challenges in life. Therapy is a means to successfully manage difficult life transitions, work-related stress, and resolve life problems that result in depression, anxiety, frustration, worry, procrastination, and discouragement. It is possible to replace painful family interaction patterns with improved communication to develop more satisfying relationships, which you deserve to have. I would be honored to help.
Qualifications
I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Alabama in 1989, and my Masters of Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in 1999. I've been licensed in the State of Tennessee as a Marriage and Family therapist since 2008.
After working in several agencies helping couples and birth mothers connect through open adoption, and serving troubled families by doing in-home family counseling, I found myself working in the field of addiction treatment, where I served from 2002 to 2016, with most of that time at a nationally renowned treatment center right here in middle Tennessee, Cumberland Heights.
Common Questions
How long is each session?
Counseling sessions last 50-90 minutes, and may occur once per week, or once every other week. This depends on the client’s needs.
How long does therapy last?
Once goals have been determined, the frequency of sessions will be determined. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions continue for 8-12 weeks.
What is the counseling environment like?
All counseling sessions take place in a calm, inviting atmosphere of my private office in Brentwood, Tennessee. Skype, FaceTime, and phone sessions are available as needed.
More About Me
I grew up on a farm in Iowa in a big family, not without it’s challenges. From early childhood, I had the innate ability to listen to others compassionately, and offer comfort and support. Throughout my young life, friends and family came to me when they needed to be heard, and to gain support and perspective. In my 30’s, I realized a need to seek my own help via therapy to improve my relationships and resolve some childhood confusion from growing up in an alcoholic family. The counselor I found helped me tremendously, and is directly responsible for where I am today as a professional psychotherapist.
Facing a desired career change after years in the restaurant business, I imagined that when I was older and facing retirement, if I could look back on my career and have helped only one person as much as my therapist had helped me, I would feel very good about my life. Thus, I chose the profession of counseling, and returned to graduate school to learn the science behind my natural gifts of compassionate listening and helping others.