What made you decide to become a counselor?

I greatly value relationships and find that holding space for people with curiosity and compassion comes naturally to me. I also have a commitment to my own growth mindset, and working alongside clients as a guide to examine the complexities of one’s inner world is highly rewarding for me.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

I regularly practice and teach Tara Brach’s mindfulness meditation tool “RAIN of Self Compassion.” RAIN stands for RECOGNIZE (What is going on that is activating or challenging me?), ALLOW (the experience to be there just as it is), INVESTIGATE (with interest in care..what is this emotional messenger/body sensation/or thought trying to communicate or signal to me?), and NURTURE (with self-compassion…or Non-Identify with this inner critical or unhelpful/limiting message).

Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

Yes! I am a sober therapist with over a decade of sustained recovery; so counseling has been an integral part of my own healing path for many years. On this path I have learned so much about myself. Some themes that come to mind are: how to trust my intuition and navigate from my own internal compass; increased awareness of my own defense mechanisms that are no longer serving me; how to connect to, affirm, and skillfully advocate boundaries for myself and others without taking on what doesn’t belong to me; how to care for and attune to my nervous system and somatic needs in my body.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

• Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection by Sharon Salzberg.

As a white cis therapist with a goal of engaging in lifelong practice of cultural humility and embodied anti-racism; I’d also like to share a few reads/teachers who inspire me: 

• Resmaa Menakem’s My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathways to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies;

• Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation by Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Dr. Jasmine Syedullah; and 

• Who is Wellness for? By Fariha Roisin.

What inspires you to help others?

I have practiced as a social worker for over 20 years. My professional role aligns with my own core value of “right livelihood,” named from Buddhist teachings to describe when your profession offers spiritual development, is contributing to the well being of others, and promoting healing and collective wellness. I also feel there is an inherent quality of aliveness and hope within the therapeutic relationship, one that I find inspirational and nourishing.

Who is your ideal client?

At this time, I work exclusively with adults who are not in acute crisis.  I am interested in working alongside anyone participating in the journey of self discovery.  I am particularly attuned in working with adults who want to explore their relationship with substances; Adult Children of Alcoholics or Dysfunctional Families; those who identify as highly sensitive, struggle with harsh inner critic messaging, perfectionism, and with difficulty in experiencing self love or in trusting their inner knowing. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and also resonate with Women's Issues, Young Adult/and other Life transitions; and Parenting Issues.

How do you personally practice self-care?

One day at a time, with a focus on finding routines that nurture me and allow for emotional presence with my child and loved ones. I have practiced sitting meditation for over a decade, and this formal practice has created a space inside myself that has been profoundly guiding. I seek out opportunities to laugh, spend time in nature, am an avid hiker, who also loves swimming and soaking in natural bodies of water. 

How do you relate to mindfulness? Give an example of how you incorporate it in your sessions.

I relate to mindfulness by using embodied presence, anchoring connection to breath, active listening, non-judgment and compassion towards the whole self.

With curiosity, validation, and empathy; I guide increased recognition of unconscious dynamics that may be running peoples lives. I strive to cultivate trust, a safe place for healing, and encourage de-identifying with limiting thoughts, emotions, and beliefs.  A primary focus is to increase self acceptance and compassion, balanced with goals for change and increasing coping skills. Inquiries that often arise are: Where are we saying yes or no to in life? How am I relating to my unfolding experience? How am I responding to loss, change, or suffering in life? Am I able to practice lovingkindness with myself? Am I experiencing a situation beyond my control that I am not accepting?

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

I would invite Bell Hooks, Frida Kahlo, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Their messages and lifestyles are all inspirational to me, and I would love the opportunity to receive their wisdom.