I have worked as an educator, author, spiritual-clarity coach, couples, and
family therapist in many venues since 1988. Today, my sole focus is on
supporting people eager to be connected to others and themselves with
greater courage and authenticity.
A common denominator for clients who have been helped by our work
together is they are experiencing an important life transition. They might want
to explore how to live again after a major change in life. The uncomfortable
changes they face might include one of the following:
- couples who are curious about how or if they should stay together
- people going through some form of psychospiritual crisis of meaning
- individuals questioning their gender or sexual identity
- people hoping to stay sober after leaving a treatment facility
- recent graduates from college or certification program wondering “what’s next?”
Whatever their reason, they want support with such challenges.
How do I work with people? I take a culturally sensitive, “integrative”
approach for improving connection with the one(s) you love without sacrificing
your autonomy. I use two evidence-based therapeutic methods one for
couples and families that is “attachment-based therapy”, and two for
individuals that use mindfulness, clarity exercises, and direct action called
“Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Eye movement
desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
I’m convinced that humans have an evolutionary desire for meaningful
relationships and believe we can work in a collaborative way to build
resilience and fortify strengths to create a future that works with whatever
challenges may arise.
Before acquiring my clinical degree in Couples and Family Therapy, I
received a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Divinity, and a Doctorate in
Philosophy with an emphasis on Psychology and Religion. The first half of my
adult life was spent on the East Coast researching, teaching, and writing
books. In the second half, I’ve been devoted to my family and growing as a
therapist while living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my original home.
I am currently accepting new clients at the Bainbridge Island office, yet
telehealth is my preference.
