Education

I received my A.B. in Psychology from Harvard University in 1994 and my M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in 1997. 

Experience and Training

Since beginning my counseling program in 1995 I have practiced counseling in a variety of contexts in order to study the vast range of human functioning and to understand which counseling modalities are effective in treating various issues.  I am experienced in individual, couple, family and group therapy and I have worked in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Primarily I work with individuals and couples to deepen understanding of oneself and others, to reduce conflict and increase intimacy in interpersonal relationships and to facilitate healing and growth.

I have received special training in:

• Grief recovery
• Sensory Processing issues/ADHD/autism
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (www.ICEEFT.com)
• The Gottman Method (www.gottman.com)
• Sexual Abuse and Abortion Recovery
• Counseling Military and Ex-military Families

Values and Philosophy

I know from experience that family life does not have to be perfect --or even ideal-- to provide the right environment for nurturing a human soul.  We do not need to strive for perfection; we just need to uncover our identities and our hidden potential for loving others and ourselves.  Most of us could write books on the dysfunction in our families of origin but the fact that you are considering counseling demonstrates your commitment to finding out for yourself who you truly are and what you have to offer the world --apart from the messages you have received from your family and others. I want to help you examine the preconceptions you have about your identity, your potential and your limitations. Let us raise your level of expectation about the kind of life you can have and how much satisfaction you can expect from your relationships.

The fact that I am a marriage and family therapist means that whether I work with individuals, couples or families I always work from the “family systems” perspective that no one exists or behaves in a vacuum.  I believe that understanding you involves understanding your family context, your cultural heritage and the roles you occupy in your current relationships and at work. If you attempt to make changes in your life without considering the potential impact on your marriage, for instance, the change could undo your marriage or your marriage could undo the change. 

Similarly, I come from a holistic perspective in that I am always aware of the interplay between psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational health. As we pursue health together, I can help you to find balance and peace. In counseling, I draw upon personal experience as well as my professional training.  I know what it is like to overcome anxiety. I have discovered just how much my physical health can influence my emotional well-being and vice versa.  Moreover, I continue to learn how to draw upon all of my resources --nurturing relationships, physical stretching and exercise, practicing being present in the moment and prayer, etc.--to bring perspective and balance to my life. I can help you to do the same.