Hello!

What is it like to work with me?  I have found that the most helpful therapeutic experiences involve a mix of straightforwardness, empathy and empowerment, and I strive to do this with my clients. I believe the most important part of the therapeutic relationship is the client feeling seen and understood, and receiving the support and insight they've been missing in their life.  I am challenging, direct, and curious. I truly believe everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have, at the time. That's where we'll start.

 

I blend many modalities including trauma-informed, client-centered therapy, CBT, DBT, and intuitive thinking/mindfulness. Currently I see individuals 14 and older.

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Areas of interest and experience for me include, but are not limited to, trauma stemming from:

• Abuse 

• Trauma related to grief (particularly after suicide loss)

• Trauma from family of origin issues

• Trauma stemming from relationships with people with personality disorders

• Addiction

• Depression

• Dissociative issues

• Anxiety

• Spiritual growth

• Relationship issues

• Transitional issues

 

Over the course of my 49 years, my life has been touched by a multitude of mental health issues with friends and family: addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder, depression, psychosis and homelessness, suicide, and Bipolar Disorder. I personally understand the pain, confusion and ramifications of having to deal with these issues.

 

Sessions with me will start with getting to know you and determining treatment goals based on the challenges you prioritize. I like to start with some attachment-based therapy as the ways in which we relate to ourselves and others are informed by our attachments within our family of origin. From there, we can develop concrete ways to tackle any issues that arise.

I provide in-person sessions in Austin, or online anywhere in Texas.

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My Education and Who I Work With

I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University in 2012, and immediately started work with adolescents in a residential treatment facility, doing group and individual work. I now work with individuals 15 and older, focusing on any number of issues, from life transitions to trauma.

 

In 2014, I began a personal journey in spiritual growth and came to see the benefits of energy work as a supporting intervention. I am a certified Reiki Practitioner through Master Level and if this interests you, we can discuss incorporating it into talk therapy.

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A Little About Me Outside Work

When I'm not working, I like to spend time with my husband, and with my two silly, large dogs, Nacho and Lola.

I am very proud to have a grown daughter who also lives here in town, and love to catch up with her over dinner as often as possible.

I love to workout, ride my bike, or do hot yoga.

I take care of our many plants so we can enjoy nature inside the house.

I've been trying to branch out in my cooking and baking (I don't love it but I like to be healthy and eat in).

I've called Austin home since 1985 when my family moved here from Houston.

I practice meditation, I love crystals and my handmade tarot deck I got in Portland.

I always have the Harry Potter audiobooks on repeat.

I make malas in my spare time (Tibetan prayer beads). 

And you'll never see me happier than when I have a chance encounter with ANY animal.

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I'm so happy you found me! If you'd like to do a free consult call or set an appointment, contact me here. Thank you!