My own relational journey is what got me here.

I was born in the very small town of Beaver, OK, but spent most of my upbringing in the greater suburbs of Denver, CO. In 2013 I completed my bachelors in Special Education to become a teacher. This was certainly fulfilling, but my true passion began to bubble up to the surface as I realized my desire for more personal connection rather than the classroom setting. This realization felt overwhelming. In some ways I felt like I had failed, having put so much energy into that degree, all the job hunting, developing new relationships, writing my own curriculum, etc. However, I soon realized that in the midst of this difficult discovery new doors were opening that would allow me to pursue my greater passion. With the encouragement of my therapist, family and friends I had resigned from my job and within six weeks was on my way to WA to attend the Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. I have since completed my degree in Counseling Psychology and am currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate through the state of Washington, with supervision. When I have time off I enjoy hiking, playing games, spending time with amazing friends, and visiting my family, who live in Colorado & Arizona. Also, I'm a huge musical theater buff!

A common theme has shown up in all of these endeavors - Relationship. 

Relationship has always been the primary teaching tool in my life. Relationship has given me the courage to show up with vulnerability to my friends, family and loved ones. Relationship has also humbled me in many ways. I've allowed others to speak into my life, most importantly when I didn't necessarily want them to. The trusted relationships I have developed have stuck with me and grounded me; something I feel is so vital to our own personal growth. Relationships can be really tough, but because of that (not despite it) I believe they can be the most life-enriching gift, if we're willing to let them transform us. 

My theater teacher used to always say, "Acting is Re-acting!"

As a theater student I realized that just learning my lines wouldn't make me believable enough. I had to understand the full dialogue. This ended up being a lesson in basic communication. If we don't understand what the other is truly saying, we are no longer connecting with them. It's like wanting to share a personal pain, but feeling like "they just won't get it." This can isolate us, making us feel misunderstood, alone, pessimistic, sad, and even fearful. I've personally felt all of these emotions in the course of my own journey, but what pulled me through was finding someone who understood the full dialogue, listening not only to the words I was saying, but decoding the deeper meaning behind them. It is my longing to help others by bringing the same kind of listening, encouragement and guidance. 

In order to develop the useful tools needed I've completed my three year Masters program (including a 1 year internship) and multiple training courses to help in that guidance. A few of these specific modalities I use may be helpful to understand further: 

• Relationally-Focused Psychodynamic Therapy (RFPT) focuses on how vital relationships are in our past, present, and future. Focus is put on the relationship that forms between the client and the therapist to help illuminate areas of stuckness, growth, etc.  

• Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is all about how we were cared for growing up and ultimately how that has impacted the way we relate to our partners currently. 

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is all about how you relate to your past anxieties, problems, trauma, hangups, etc. You will be guided to take charge of those moments in order to empower you through your past trauma.

I use other therapeutic perspectives as well, depending on what needs you bring. Thanks for taking some time to get to know me, I look forward to getting to know you as well.