My perspective
In life, we encounter experiences that can be beautiful, painful, tragic, traumatizing, rich, joyful, or terrifying. These experiences may cause us to get stuck in one place. We may react by numbing ourselves or shutting down in ways that block us from fully living.
In my practice, I hope to provide my clients a safe place to explore, take risks and begin to live the “full catastrophe of life”, as Zorba the Greek described. Even during pain and grief, we are still living. How can we experience our grief, traumas, and current interpersonal/relationship challenges with an emphasis on growth and a mission towards meaning and purpose? How can we incorporate these experiences into the full tapestry that is self-realization? When we do, we become more able to notice and experience joy and beauty and weave those experiences into our lives.
I work from an existential perspective that emphasizes our need to find meaning in our lives. I use Attachment Theory, which focuses on the nature of our past and present relationships. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Narrative Therapy techniques to assist clients in recognizing how our thoughts about ourselves and our world inform and tell the stories that result in the life we are creating and believing.
My background
In addition to my general counseling practice, I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals and their family members who have faced neurological changes due to a variety of conditions. These include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, brain tumors, and other chronic and degenerative neurological conditions.
Education
M.A., Mental Health Counseling, 2015
Mercer University, Atlanta, GA
Specializing in the area of addiction
M.S., Communication Disorders, 1989
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Specializing in the area of neuropsychology and counseling
B.S., Education/Communication Disorders, 1987
Baylor University, Waco, TX
Licenses
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) GA License LPC010203
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) GA License SLP006268
Memberships
American Counseling Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association
Additional Training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Grief counseling
Year-long internship at an addiction recovery facility