About

I am a Professional Counselor with 23 years of experience and am licensed by the state of Tennessee . I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, parenting, relationship issues, abuse, trauma, adoption, grief and loss, and professional burn-out. I have worked in a variety of inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings with clients ranging from children and adolescents to adults and geriatric populations. I have served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment center for children and youth, and later as the Clinical Director for an outpatient counseling center. I now practice independently.

I believe that human beings were designed to live in relationship with God and with other human beings and that we are never more healthy and whole than when those relationships are thriving. In contrast, broken or poorly functioning relationships are often a deep source of pain in a person's life. The work of reconciliation in relationships both human and divine is central to my concept of the counseling process.

As a follower of Christ, my faith is a great source of strength and comfort in my own life, and I believe that there is truth, wisdom, and healing to be found in scripture. With clients who share that conviction, or are open to exploring it, faith, scripture, and prayer will be significant sources in our work together. However, I also believe that there are useful concepts available to us in the field of modern psychology which can prove helpful in the pursuit of emotional health and well-being. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is an approach that makes a lot of sense to me, and since it has a proven track record of actually helping people, I find it's concepts particularly helpful. Simply put, CBT teaches that what we think and believe directly affects how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world around us, and this directly influences the choices we make regarding our actions or inaction. That being said, each client is unique in the challenges he or she faces, and I am committed to exploring what makes sense to you and finding what is helpful and meaningful in your situation.

I look forward to joining you in your journey toward peace-filled and joyful living.