My Philosophy and Background

Philosophy:

There are so many reasons why you might find yourself looking for a counselor. Maybe you have found yourself at this page because you have lost something, or someone you loved dearly, or maybe you have found yourself in too many relationships that have caused you more grief and heartache than it gives you compassion and understanding. It could be that you are crippled by anxiety or depression, or you are numbing those feelings through addictive behaviors. No matter what circumstances have brought you to this page, by doing so you have acknowledged something that is true for every single one of us:  You can’t do this alone.

Many of us struggle with the tendency to isolate ourselves when we are in pain. We experience shame and guilt at the prospect of our stories being heard by our friends, coworkers and family. We fear rejection and judgment for what we think and feel because we have experienced this in relationships past. So instead of leaning in to one another, we push away, leaving us unseen, forgotten and lonely. In spite of our fears, I believe we all have a deep, innate desire to be known and accepted in our stories, and it takes great courage to push past what we are afraid of to find the freedom that comes with sharing who we are. My hope, and what I believe to be my work with you, is to create a safe space for you to be seen within your story, for it to be heard and accepted unconditionally.

Approach to Therapy: 

Unfortunately, there are no quick fix methods or interventions that work for everyone. The challenges you are facing in your relationships, the bouts you have with depression, anxiety or grief experienced in life are deeply personal and unique. That is why your counseling experience will be tailored to effectively meet your personal needs and goals. My approach to therapy is eclectic, primarily consisting of family systems theory, attachment based therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness based cbt, and emotionally focused therapy. I work with individuals and families.

Credentials & Expertise:     

I hold a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and a Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and am licensed by the Tennessee Association of Marital and Family Therapists (License #1437).