Practice Philosophy and Methods | My Commitment | Groups Served | Problems Treated
Services Offered | Memberships & Affiliations | Licensure
Thank you for exploring my web site. Here is some information about me that might be helpful in your search for a therapist.
I am a practioner who works from a collaborative, strength-based perspective. I feel a deep respect for each person that comes for help in making changes. I believe that everyone has the necessary resources within themselves to create their own unique and individual solutions to the dilemmas that bring them to therapy. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which the therapist guides and empowers each person to be effective in life and successful in meeting his/her goals. I feel that treatment should be both efficient and effective in helping one find interesting and meaningful ways to move past obstacles in life.
I have over 30 years of experience in working with children and families. I have worked as a preschool teacher, child development researcher, college/university instructor, mental health professional, and clinical supervisor. I have been in private practice since 1999, and from 1991-2000 I worked for Austin Travis County MHMR. For 8 of those years I was the clinical supervisor of the children’s group programs. I have presented at national conferences and published articles in national journals. I have a strong interest in advocating for young children, families, and individuals with mental health needs. Throughout my career, I have volunteered with organizations that advocate for building healthy families and individuals.
Families and support systems are important to me. I have a family of my own that includes three adult children and a husband I have been married to for over 30 years. I feel that support systems are necessary for everyone, and can include family, relatives, and/or members from the community.
I feel it is essential to consider the whole person – physical, mental, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual. I work together with my clients to create a healthy life style that will support and nurture the changes that they make. Spiritual practices are essential in life, and I feel very comfortable in exploring spiritual issues with clients as part of our therapeutic work.
I promise that in our work together I will be respectful and collaborative. My goal is for therapy to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Call or e-mail me with any questions you may have about my background, skills, interests and training so we can speak about any of your questions.
Philosophy and Approach
My practice is strongly influenced by family systems theory. This means that I am very interested in the system in which a person functions. In my work with individuals, children and families, with consent, I frequently talk with teachers, psychiatrists, doctors, child care workers, and other professionals/individuals who can enlarge my perspective of the systems in which a person participates.
In addition, to systems approaches, I incorporate a variety of other approaches into my practice. I have studied extensively in the area of trauma, abuse and neglect, and worked with trauma survivors since beginning my practice in psychology. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). I incorporate these methods in the treatment of trauma.
My doctorate is in school psychology and I have worked extensively in schools and child care centers with children exhibiting learning and behavioral problems. I have frequently advocated for the rights of children in school systems through attending ARDs (Admission, Review, and Dismissal), 504, and other school meetings.
I have been trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, hypnosis, family and couples therapy, narrative therapy, collaborative language systems, energy psychology, self relations therapy and brief therapy. I have studied with Harlene Anderson, Michael White, David Epston, and Stephen Gilligan, and their work strongly informs my practice of psychology. I utilize my knowledge in all areas of training to collaborate and to find the ways that work best for clients to heal.
I am a Brown Belt in NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action). NIA is a fitness program that incorporates elements from Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, Jazz, Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Alexander Technique to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. I am very interested in the intersection of therapy and movement, and when appropriate I incorporate my training in NIA and movement in my therapeutic work.
Problems Treated (in alphabetical order)
Top of Page | Practice Philosophy and Methods | My Commitment | Groups Served | Problems Treated
Services Offered | Memberships & Affiliations | Licensure
Updated January12, 2005