ABOUT ME
I BECAME A THERAPIST WHEN I REALIZED…
I connected with others in an empathetic way.
Have you ever met someone, listened to their stories, and felt what they were feeling… to the point that it brought tears to your eyes or a lump to your throat?
That is how I connect. I cannot explain it more than that. That is how it is.
COUNSELING IS A SECOND CAREER FOR ME.
I was the type-A, perfect older sibling who got good grades and knew what I wanted in life. I was the only girl, which meant I was the BOSS. That’s probably why I was never really satisfied working for others.
My childhood dream was always to become an architect. From the time I was 11, I loved drawing and imagining structures. As I pursued that career, I became disillusioned by the reality of what an architect actually does. When the proverbial rubber hit the road, I felt lost and confused. It was that tough spot of changing a career as an adult, where financial responsibilities did not allow me to sit on a beach drinking Mai Tai’s while I had an existential crisis.
Around that same time, I was finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology after debating between Finance and Psychology. I thought Finance would be the “smart” thing to do, but my intuition pushed me to pursue a Psychology degree.
My greatest influence in pursuing a career in psychology came from my ethics professor. He was discussing the ethical obligation around reporting child abuse. He presented the hypothetical situation: how do you sit with someone who has disclosed that they are physically abusive to their children? We discussed the legal ramifications of reporting, and I asked, “Why would anyone actually tell a therapist that they were abusive to their children if they knew it would be reported?”
He proposed this question, “Can you imagine how much pain and guilt that mother experiences in her actions? Imagine how much she wants it to stop but maybe doesn’t know how to stop herself. This is a person, rising out of their shame and guilt to seek help, despite knowing it will need to be reported.” That question had a profound effect on me, and I realized at that moment that when people seek therapy voluntarily, they are seeking a different way of doing something they have been doing their whole lives.
My second trip down disillusionment lane occurred upon the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. How does one financially prosper with a Bachelor’s in Arts degree? Remember the saying, “Do what you love and love what you do?” I believed that with my whole heart and soul and even got a license plate holder. I repeated that mantra as I applied to graduate school and worked in the human service field. This belief continues to carry with me, and nothing has ever been truer for me.
LIKE MOST HUMAN BEINGS ON THIS PLANET, MY FAMILY HAS STRUGGLED…
… with addiction, divorce, poor decisions, and trauma.
I realized that none of us are getting out of this thing called life without bumps and bruises along the way. It is a human experience to feel pain, anguish, despair, powerlessness, and frustration. In my experience with family, I have learned that it is okay to love someone and still think their behaviors are questionable, at best. (if you have brothers, you know what I’m talking about). I have gained the ability to separate the worth and value of human beings from their behaviors and choices. I have learned that, despite someone’s intent, there can still be a negative impact. Finally, I have solidified for myself that when we are born, we do not get to pick our family. Still, we have a responsibility to figure out how to set boundaries with them to live healthy lives.
MY FAVORITE LIFE QUOTE IS FROM MAHATMA GANDHI…
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
We are not promised forever on this planet, and it is our responsibility to ensure we make the most of the time we’re here.
The best use of that time is connecting with others and enjoying life—not getting stuck in our heads about the trivial details that don’t really matter in the big scheme of life.
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” –Rumi
SOME OF MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND…
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master’s degree in clinical counseling from the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Northern Colorado, respectively.
I am a full-operating sex offender treatment provider and evaluator in Colorado, and I’ve worked with sex offenders for about a decade.
I am Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have specialized training in the Gottman Method of relationship counseling.
I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist through IITAP.
I am currently working on my PhD in Sex Therapy.
“It’s not the shit we face that defines us. It’s how we deal with it.”
–Ahmed Mostafa
WHEN I’M NOT DOING THERAPY…
When my thoughts are not stuck on philosophical rants or reading about an amazing new therapeutic technique that could benefit my clients (I seriously do this in my spare time)…
I enjoy romance novels, apocalyptic/zombie movies, needlepoint, and practicing behavior modification with my two Siberian huskies, Maddison and Harley. They are training me well! I am a Colorado native who loves all things this state offers. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, yoga, and snowboarding.
YOU DIDN’T COME THIS FAR, TO ONLY COME THIS FAR
Are you ready to start understanding the motivation behind your sabotaging behaviors, increase your self-awareness, and start taking steps toward living the life of your dreams?
Call or text at (720) 629-2729 for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I will get an understanding of what you are looking for by asking you a ton of questions (maybe not a whole ton, but no pressure on you here). Then I will give you an idea of how I can help you reach your goals.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience. How do you know they will be the one that works with you? How do you know if you will click—If they will “get” you?
The reality is that you won’t know until you try.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE: