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My passion to become a counselor came from my own recovery from feeling like life was not working for me as well as it did for others. Prior to asking for help, my search for answers took me on a journey through broken relationships, depression, substance abuse, codependency, and always striving to be perfect or at least 'good enough.' In desperation, I came to the end of my attempts to figure things out on my own, I finally turned to counselors and mentors for help. This opened up my life to understanding and appreciating the unique person inside, finding peace, joy, and freedom to enjoy life fully. The relief and hopefulness I found were so profound that I determined to help others find their way. Like me, many seek answers within, but due to disappointment, confusion, fear, misguided advice, etc. we can get stuck, however, counseling can help by uncovering the best version of ourselves which lies within.
In addition to being dual licensed in substance abuse counseling and professional counseling; I have an Masters in Addiction Counseling, studied biblical counseling, and natural healing. Because trauma is often at the root of places that keep us stuck, I received training in the highly regarded and effective trauma treatments EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing) and NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) to help people work on issues stemming from developmental, relational, complex and shock trauma.
As a proud affiliate of Christian Counseling Services, I enjoy being part of a team dedicated to merging professional counseling skills and training with spiritual commitment. As a member and leader in this talented group of professionals, I am privileged to supervise the other team members whose information is included on this site. Our group has offices in North and South Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, and Arrowhead. My practice and my affiliated partners at Christian Counseling Services are available to supervise Interns and Associate Licensed individuals who are committed to a Biblical World-view as well as growing in professional clinical skills and trauma-focused therapy.
I work with adolescents and adults of all ages who have issues related to difficulties in areas of relationships, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, mood disorders, social anxiety, and unresolved emotions. I also work with those suffering from addictive behaviors and associated painful emotions that the addiction wants to avoid. When the painful issues are addressed and begin to heal cravings for addictive substances or behaviors are lessened significantly. I also work with people in significant relationships with those struggling with addiction, to help cope with the pain that can accompany loving an addict. Increasing understanding and working to resolve the pain is possible.
Most importantly, this is your journey. Our work together is to find answers that are tailored to your values and desires. My role is to help you increase in hope, identify your strengths and resources, assist you as you grow by recovering from your struggles, heal from pain, and move forward to achieve the life that you choose.
Addiction, depression, fear, low self-esteem, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable behaviors and emotions that can be experienced at some point in life. Through counseling and treatment, you are able to foster hope, recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you want in your life. Together we can create goals that make sense for your life and help you find the freedom you desire.
Many people become disillusioned, depressed or turn to addiction as a way to avoid pain associated with trauma. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger long after traumatic events. In our sessions together we can develop the most effective way to overcome trauma and associated symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing. I am EMDR Trained which is an effective method for resolving the painful effects of trauma, and NARM Trained which is a therapeutic approach to work through attachment wounds, developmental issues, and complex trauma that gets in the way of managing your life they way you want.
Relationship counseling can be beneficial when pain and disappointment have replaced a commitment that previously was characterized by love and joy. This can occur in marriages, between parents and children, and in other significant relationships. Counseling can help find a path forward in the relationship by learning new ways to communicate and connect in respectful, loving, accepting, encouraging and supportive ways as well as growing in understanding of how past relationship wounds can impact present relationships by triggering old, unresolved pain, abuse, or abandonment.