"There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over,
the wound is closed and healed, done with.” - Harry Crews
the wound is closed and healed, done with.” - Harry Crews
My Therapeutic Approach
The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself. How we care for ourselves influences that process. If you were to get a tiny splinter in the sole of your foot, but didn’t remove it or disinfect the area, it would soon become infected. Without antibiotics, the infection would eventually spread. The pain could affect how you walk, leading to hip or back problems. If left untreated long enough, this tiny splinter could eventually mean serious disability or even death. However, with proper care and treatment, the body can heal.
Your mind is also capable of healing itself! However, without effective treatment, emotional “splinters” – such as trauma, abuse, or neglect – can lead to many different types of challenges: relationship issues, problems at work or school, depression and anxiety, or drug and alcohol abuse, to name just a few. But, even though those splinters can cause dysfunction and dis-ease, we have the ability to heal, grow and progress throughout our lifetime. Sometimes, when you are feeling stuck in the middle of these challenges, it is difficult to see a way out.
I believe the answers are most often within us, and that growth and self-discovery are among the core purposes of life! As a psychotherapist and counselor, I see my role as a facilitator on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I am here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space and accompany you on your path; offering guidance and insight when necessary. If you feel you’ve hit a point in your life when it is time to tend to what is holding you back - if something seems to be interfering with you living the healthy, prosperous, fulfilling life you desire - I invite you to come in and see how I might help.
In addition, I am an openly queer therapist, who specializes in helping people with concerns around their sexual orientation, the coming out process, LGBTQ+ couples counseling, same-sex, bisexual, and polyamorous relationship issues, supporting transgender and gender nonconforming clientele, secular and evidence-based reexamination of faith and sexual identity, and other LGBTQIA+ issues. As part of the community myself, I offer more than just acceptance. I offer the perspective of someone who has not only education, knowledge, and training, but also genuine life experience.
In my work with adolescents, adults, and families, and in the many years I have spent helping people recover from mental illness, substance abuse, and other struggles, I have relied on my background in teaching and in theatre, music and art to enrich the process. It is important to me to connect with others by being creative and infusing humor into our interactions. I can honestly say that I love what I do. I know and respect the infinite and inherent value and worth of each person who comes into my office!
Having experienced healing myself, I truly believe in how profoundly counseling can help in this process. I deeply appreciate and respect the courage it takes for someone to come to therapy. I recognize the strength it takes to be on a path of self-discovery and healing. Whatever you are struggling with, we will work together to get you the tools necessary to find greater peace and contentment. There is hope! There is healing!
My Background and Qualifications
Having been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and several other evidence-based treatments, I love working with older teens, adults, and with couples! As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, I am also passionate about serving the specific needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals, couples, and families of all shapes and sizes!
I have been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a nationally certified Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) for almost 15 years in both North Carolina and Arizona, having received my Master’s Degree from Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona. I also have over 20 years experience as a teacher, trainer, writer and educator, and taught addiction courses for several years to both graduate and undergraduate students as adjunct faculty with Ottawa University.
When offering support for parents, in addition to my training as a psychotherapist, my experiences as a father of two children also provide me with insight into the joys and challenges of parenting.
I am bilingual, and speak fluent Polish (mówię po polsku!), having lived several years in the beautiful country of Poland. My love for travel, my special interest in film, theatre, music, literature, and art, and my background in teaching and the performing arts informs my counseling in rich and interesting ways!
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