You may have been referred by a loved one or found my website through the internet or Psychology Today. Either way, I am currently a stranger to you, and you may have a few questions. Below are some common questions about me and my style of therapy.
FAQ's
What type of therapy do you do?
I draw on several models of therapy to help you understand yourself and how you relate to others. I strongly believe our families and upbringing impact who we are, who we become, and how we behave as adults. Bowen Family Systems Theory aims to help you balance your emotions with your intellect, and your need for connection with your need for independence. As you tell me your story, I believe it is my job to listen to what you are saying, while also hearing what you are not saying. It is very easy to get caught up in a negative storyline about our lives, and I draw on Narrative Therapy to help you see different options and new possibilities. If you are coming to me for couple or marital therapy, I view myself as a "choreographer," helping you to slow down your conflict and communication to more effectively express to your partner what you need in a way that they can hear you. We all have a need to feel safe and accepted, and Emotionally Focused Therapy helps to repair and strengthen the bond between partners. Finally, experiences of trauma have a profound impact on how we see ourselves, other people, and the world. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a research-based approach to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
I am proud to have received specialized EMDR In Color training at Rivers Edge Institute aimed specifically at clinicians of color who work with marginalized groups and racial trauma. EMDR In Color and the EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training covers the core material of the EMDR Basic Training with unique emphasis on:
·Culture-specific trauma and cognitions
·Complex trauma surrounding culture
·Racial fatigue
·Identity-based trauma
·Culturally diverse resources
Do you integrate faith into therapy?
Therapy involves an open exploration of one's emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual sense of self. I believe that all humans seek to find purpose in their lives and make meaning of hardships. My job is not to impose my belief system onto my clients, though I integrate discussions of faith into therapy as desired by my clients.
Can you tell me more about yourself?
I am originally from Kansas (K-S-U Wildcats!), and I have lived in Texas since 2010. I am married and have three young children. I enjoy reading, learning, and giving back to the community. I am passionate about working with underserved populations and providing culturally competent care. I am a proud to be an alumni of the AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program and provide discounted and pro-bono services to select nonprofits in Dallas, TX.
What are your specialties?
I provide individual psychotherapy as well as couples and marriage counseling. Many people find their way into my office to address trauma, relationship repair after discovery of infidelity, and mood-related issues such as depression and/or anxiety. I am also passionate about helping people with concerns related to sexual health, and I am an LGBTQIA+ ally with specialized training. Many of my clients are persons of color and identify as multicultural, multiracial, immigrants, or first generation. Having a diverse family of my own, it is both a source of pride and privilege to help my clients explore issues related to racial/ethnic identity.