It is the nature of life to hold both opportunity and challenge. In response to our history, circumstances and gifts, we create ways of living, thinking and relating that allow us to live life in the best ways we can imagine at the time.

But, one day, we may awake with the recognition that we are challenged by a sudden loss, difficult event or life transition we cannot resolve. Or, we are abruptly faced with the recognition that beliefs upon which we have based our life have shifted.

We may admit to exhaustion with the struggle; or even an unwillingness for continued compromise with what has held us captive in life: whether this be a self-identity based on unworthiness, shame, guilt, or a life run by worrisome thoughts, sadness, or disempowerment.

We may suddenly find ourselves struggling to manage overwhelming feelings or distressing thoughts with skills that no longer work or are no longer of benefit.

We may long for a deeper connection with others, and begin to understand that this first requires a loving and caring relationship with our self.

We wish change, we hope for peace. Yet, our history, habitual thinking and behaviors may keep us hooked. We find our self cycling back into unhelpful patterns, even though there is something in us that yearns to create a harmonious life filled with purpose, joy and equanimity.

This call to change may emerge with a gentle or loud voice. It may lovingly guide or prod with insistence. Our immediate suffering captures our attention but this distress is most often, only the symbol that requests deeper exploration.

The inner call is rich with possibility and can ultimately draw us toward increased self-awareness, discovery of our unique life path and development of wisdom and courage to realize its form.

As you seek allies to aid and honor this invitation, know that an experienced therapist can provide helpful guidance and support when the road you travel is hidden or feels uncertain.

I am familiar with this journey, and am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be of assistance to you.


Philosophical Approach

My work emerges from a Transpersonal and Integrative Perspective which seeks to support and harmonize all facets of human development. This approach borrows from, and incorporates a wealth of modalities to directly address current concerns, as well as building resources and skills to support long term goals and personal development.

I begin from the belief that humans are born intrinsically whole, filled with an innate wisdom and a journey unique to each. Though our early life may not have supported this view, or through the lens of difficult life circumstances we may have lost sight of it, the present offers choice.

No matter what has come before, we always have the opportunity to create something new.

I view the core of the helping relationship as an honoring and collaboration between therapist and client. My work arises from and always returns to, the triple foundation of respect, compassion and empowerment. I provide a safe therapeutic environment that offers both respectful challenge and support.

I draw from nearly forty years of work experience, education and personal life study, to offer tools from Eastern, Western and Indigenous psychological and wisdom traditions. Strategies are chosen to best support client needs and goals with a priority on offering techniques and perspectives that honor individual culture, tradition and personal values. It is always the client’s choice to engage or not, in a particular strategy. I am experienced and delight in working with individuals of many cultures, traditions, religious, spiritual and humanistic beliefs. My practice is LGBT-affirming and supportive.


My Strengths are Directed Toward:

-Addressing your present distress with attention, skills and strategies. This grows confidence and hope.

-Offering Mindfulness and Contemplative based practices and a wealth of other modalities to guide you toward increased awareness, insight and relationship with the various aspects of yourself. These practices also encourage development of a friendly curiosity and compassionate view from which to explore present experience and the roots of current distress.

-Empowering you with skills and support for envisioning next steps in your life. This includes creating and strengthening inner and outer resources to support positive choice and beneficial lasting change.


Areas of Specialty

I specialize in working with individual adults who find themselves challenged by the variety of our human experience.

The following pages on this site offer more information about my training, philosophical orientations and the many therapeutic modalities and services I offer.