Whether you are living with a chronic illness, struggling with substance use, or you are a caregiver or family member to someone who is, attending counseling can be an essential aspect of your healthcare strategy. While feeling down or anxious may be a natural consequence, you don't have to ignore how you’re feeling. We will work together to alleviate stress-related symptoms and help you focus on managing a meaningful life.
I know that coping with chronic health challenges or substance use is one of the most challenging things anyone can face. It is lonely, strenuous, and persistent. What is often overlooked is the fear, anxiety, guilt, loss, anger, and sadness associated with the changes they bring to your life and those around you. Addressing these emotions can be a quick process for some, but it can take time for others.
REDUCE YOU.
Life Can Change You. But it Doesn’t Have to
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I am a real-talking, strength-building, solution-finding, hope-creating therapist. Healing is a process, and change is possible when we assume responsibility for that change. A little humor can go a long way. All of my life, I have known I wanted to be a healer and helper in some capacity. My first job after undergraduate school helped me to realize I wanted to become a psychotherapist and drug and alcohol counselor. Throughout my career, I gained much knowledge and awareness of our mindset and how it affects our thought processes and behavior. Over the years, I have worked in various roles at high levels of care. Initially, I did not enjoy working with individuals whose presenting problems were chronic or long-term. It was not until 2010, when I began using alcohol to cope with stress and postpartum that I realized my behaviors were becoming chronic and causing emotional and physical symptoms that would last beyond sobriety. In 2014, I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and was being monitored for Multiple Sclerosis. In 2018, I was diagnosed with MS and started medication. As my body began to heal, my narrative felt very defeated, especially around all the goals I had set for my career, so I sought out counseling. I gained insight and acceptance towards my health journey and forgave myself for years of self-defeating thoughts and maladaptive behaviors. My family and I reset our boundaries and developed deeper communication. As our life became stable, we were hit with another tragedy. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. To further matters, our 16-year-old daughter began having seizures and was diagnosed with Epilepsy. All of those years ago when, I did not think I could counsel individuals with chronic issues; now, three out of four family members' health issues are chronic and have no cure. Fortunately, the years of therapy, mindfulness, physical improvement, and grace have allowed us to cope with the emotional and physical challenges we face. Furthermore, prioritizing my well-being has allowed me to become a more compassionate and resourceful therapist, which is why you want to consider working with me. I aim to help you find the ways health challenges or substance use issues can motivate, strengthen, and guide you.
About me
I'm ready for help
"Yep, you nailed it."
Can you relate?
Tell me if this is you:
You struggle with fear, anxiety, and guilt associated with the changes.
You’re fighting battles others know nothing about.
You don't want another “how does that make you feel” therapist.
You've read so many self-help articles and still feel inadequate at times.
You need a firm place to stand and someone to guide you to the rock.
