→ I often compare people to fancy houseplants…

We need food, water, sleep, a little sunlight, and exercise. Sometimes it’s just as simple as that.

→ I’m pretty calm and laid back. 

There really isn’t a whole lot that ruffles my feathers and I don’t get embarrassed easily in session.  I love to laugh in session and be light-hearted or sarcastic when the moment calls for it.

→ I am  experienced working with service members and their families

After 5  years working at a Naval base and a year and a half on an Air Force base, I know the pressures and demands that active duty members and their dependents face. Serving in the military is not for the faint of heart and you deserve someone in your corner who understands what you face (and what you sacrifice) everyday. Having someone who knows/understands most of the acronyms doesn’t hurt either.  

→ I always have a full Yeti of water, that I drink from a straw  throughout the session.

I encourage others to eat or drink as needed as well. And, since I’m always freezing, you can bet that my big fluffy blanket will be in my lap. I want people to feel permission to tend to their needs, so I will model tending to my own as well. 

→ I’m actually an introvert

Like, really, introverted.  When you meet me, you’ll never believe it, but I promise it’s true. I joke all of the time that when I was in high school nobody even knew that I had blue eyes, because I was always looking down.  I was that shy! So I understand that talking to a new person can be intimidating or scary, especially when you’re talking about your personal life.  I get it.  Taking  the first step and looking for a therapist is super brave.  See, you ARE a badass!

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Things you’ll hear me say in session…

 How the hell ?!

is definitely a more common phrase for me then I would like, but it is just a natural part of my speech. Because you don’t go to therapy when things in life are going as expected!

That sucks!

Is something that jumps out of my mouth all the time.  I won’t hesitate to express how I feel and to let you know when something sounds really tough or even terrible. 

So, how’s that working for ya?

I say this with a bit of love, some tongue in cheek,  and a lot of sarcasm.  Usually when we have been meeting for a while, people will tell me things that obviously did not work out and they learned an important lesson.  So we can joke about it together and of course, learn from the moment for the future.

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At the end of the day…

What You See is What You Get

I am the same person in session as I am outside of session. I don’t put on heirs and I’m not impressed with myself just because I went to school forever and a day. I don’t have to talk to people all day for a living, I get to talk to people all day for a living and I actually enjoy it.. 

I am not an expert on you.  You are the expert on yourself.  I am here to help enhance, not change, dictate, or demand. I try really hard to meet people where they are and give a nudge as needed.  I’d love to help you get where you want to go.