"I am ME. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know--but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. If some parts of how I look, sound, think, and feel turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me.
I am ME, and I am OKAY." ~ Virginia Satir
A truly common thread amongst all of the clients I’ve had the privilege of working with is that each and every one desires more MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS with others and the world around them. Sometimes….the “other” that they desire a deeper connection with is THEMSELVES.
I enjoy helping people learn to relate to one another in a deeper and more productive way.
Whether in the context of Individual support or Marital support, I enjoy helping people create space for more JOY, more AUTHENTICITY, more EASE, more CONNECTION, more HUMANITY.
More about my approach:
Challenges in life and relationships are inevitable. Sometimes we become overwhelmed by our challenges and get caught in negative or unproductive ways of being. I believe it shows unbelievable strength to acknowledge that something is not working and to seek support when making the decision to live a more satisfying and productive life.
I am trained in a systemic approach that focuses on treating difficulties in the context of relationships. Additionally, I have studied am trained to look at the body in relation to the mind. Rather than as a disease or disorder in a particular individual, I view problems as adaptive to circumstances. Whether helping people become unstuck or holding space for lasting change, I am passionate about helping those seeking to become more productive and balanced in their lives.
Areas of Interest & Study: Family Systems; Internal Family Systems; Narrative Family Therapy; Communication Theory & Cybernetics; Therapeutic Yoga; Yoga & Meditation for Nervous System; Nervous System Regulation; Polyvagal Theory; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Psychophysiology; Neuroscience of Hypnosis; Mindfulness & Mindfulness Meditation; MBSR; Interpersonal Neurobiology; Mind-Body Medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ericksonian Hypnotherapy/Solution Focused Hypnosis; Yoga Nidra; Pranayama; Breathwork
Therapeutic influences: Jay Haley; Dr. Murray Bowen; David Epston; Dr. Milton H. Erickson; Carl Whitaker; Virginia Satir; Carl Jung; Dr. Sue Johnson; Dr. Daniel Siegel; Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn; Dr. Zindel Segal; Louise Hay; Sharon Salzberg; Esther Perel; Dr. Caroline Myss; Thich Nhat Hanh; Pema Chodron; Bernie Clark; Eddie Stern
Education:
B.A. in Psychology, Texas A&M University (2006)
M.S. in Family Systems, Texas Woman's University (2010)
Pre-Clinical Experience:
UT Southwestern Medical Center - Family Studies Center - Intern Family Therapist (2010)
Dallas Independent School District - Youth & Family Centers - Intern Family Therapist (2010)
Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (2008)
Couples Therapy Lab - Texas A&M Psychology Department (2006)
Credentials:
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist License #202025 (2013)
200HR Yoga Instructor Certified (2015)
Additional Professional Training:
Advanced Application of Foundations: Clinical Hypnosis for Anxiety & Depression Intensive -- Dr. Michael Yapko (2024)
Mindfulness Certification Course - Dr. Debra Premashakti Alvis Intensive (2023)
Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional - PESI, Inc (2023)
100HR Advanced Application of Ayurveda & Yoga Therapy -- Radiant Sun Academy (2023)
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy -- Bill O'Hanlon Solution Oriented Hypnosis Intensive (2019)
Yin Yoga & TCM Meridians Immersion Training -- Sacred Soul Yoga (2017)
200HR Deep Study Apprenticeship & Yoga Teacher Training -- Urban Yoga (2015)
MBSR Training (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) -- The Vitalife Center (2014)
Professional Activities and Memberships:
American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists www.aamft.org
Texas Association of Marriage & Family Therapists www.tamft.org
Fort Worth Association of Marriage & Family Therapists www.fwaamft.org
Former Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children www.casaforchildren.org
Certified Prepare-Enrich Relationship Assessment Facilitator www.prepare-enrich.com