How do you describe your therapeutic approach?
My style is integrative, eclectic and collaborative, and I customize my approach for each individual. Because I have training and experience in a number of roles, including trauma-focused therapy, career coaching and executive-functioning coaching, I can adapt my style and tools to the unique needs of each client. Whether therapy is a place to process deep considerations or a place to make a targeted action plan, I adjust the approach and pace for each individual’s needs.
This is especially useful since I find that most client issues are multifaceted. For example, someone who comes to me for career coaching often needs to work with issues of anxiety and self-esteem as well. I trust the client as an expert on their lived experience. Together we establish the depth and cadence of our sessions, often shifting between being process and action-focused as needed. All of this is done with empathy, warmth and humor to make the counseling space as welcoming and supportive as possible.
How long have you been practicing? What has your counseling experience been like?
Over my decade in the field, I have worked as a therapist, school counselor, executive functioning coach, performance coach and career coach. The work has been enlightening and incredibly rewarding. Working with clients on different emphases in a variety of settings has allowed me to see the commonalities in all human struggles.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It is deeply inspiring to see a client grow and overcome their personal and life challenges. I often find myself in awe of my clients’ strength and perseverance. I always learn from my clients, and I always feel I leave a client relationship a changed person for the better. It is a blessing to be part of a field where I help encourage growth in others and by proxy find myself positively changing as well.
In another life, if you weren’t working in counseling, what would you be doing?
I’d likely be in writing or law. I was accepted into several law schools, but chose counseling once I realized I wanted to more directly help people on immediate problems. I’ve also been a creative writer all of my adult life, earning literary representation, writing a dozen novels, and being published in a variety of small presses. But while writing or law would be rewarding paths for me, I think I landed exactly where I need to be.
What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I once was into competitive powerlifting and could bench press 375 pounds and squat 450.