About

I have been a social worker for over 20 years and have worked with many people who are focusing on increasing their quality of life by focusing on healing those things which have been standing in their way.
I have experience treating people of all ages coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital issues, blended families, divorce, death, chronic pain and eating disorders. My special areas of expertise are chronic pain, grief and eating disorders including weight management. I was a Registered Dietitian for over 30 years, have a PhD in Nutrition with an emphasis in communication and have been an LCSW for over 20 years. I have completed the Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). I also have completed Level One of the Gottman Institute. I enjoy focusing on process/insight-oriented modalities and feel the excitement as my client achieves an “aha” moment in the therapeutic process. I am comfortable looking into family of origin topics as well as end of life issues. Because of my health background I am also comfortable dealing with medical issues and take a more holistic approach to clients. I do believe that alternative therapies including somatic therapy can be helpful in the therapeutic process.
I have spent most of my career continually learning new techniques and theories to provide the best care of my clients. I have a tool box of helping techniques which are based on evidence based theories to include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy, Socratic Questioning, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
My education background includes a BS. In Foods and Nutrition ( which took 13 years to receive due to “life”), a Master’s degree in Health Education, a PhD in Nutrition and a Master’s in Social Work. I taught a Body Image and Eating Disorders class for over 15 years at the University of Utah. I also have training in gerontology and enjoy working with older adults who may be in transition and with families that are struggling with older adult issues. As a widow, I also was a single mother for over 5 years with 2 teenage sons and understand the complexity of singlehood and blended families.
I look forward to working with you.