From a young age, I have been a seeker of truth, curious about understanding the seen and unseen world and exploring the complexities of human emotion and behavior. Early on, I embarked upon a life long journey of slowly unraveling the mystery of myself, as I struggled with low self-esteem and an eating disorder. Even as a highly sensitive and empathetic teenager, I found myself mediating conflicts between friends and lending an ear when a friend was in need.
In collage, my two passions of Art and Psychology came together in the graduate study of Art Therapy. My graduate studies took place at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, in a dual track program called “Clinical Marriage and Family Art Therapy Program”. In this program, I remember thinking, “Finally, I am studying what I REALLY want to know”!
During this time, I discovered my love for Authentic Movement and freestyle dance that allowed a deep dive into the vast realm of mind/body connection. I trained with many movement teachers and taught movement/art workshops, myself, called “Dance and Thrive” for 20+ years, in various locations, as I continued to work as a therapist in a variety of settings.
I also studied Science of Mind and Spirit (SOM), a non-denominational, empowering study for 4 years to become a licensed practitioner. The premise of the philosophy being: There is a divine intelligence in and through all things. It is right where we are as individualized expression of the ONE. We can use the law of the universe to manifest our desires through affirmative prayer and right thinking. But first we need to dig up, recognize, replace and change the unconscious thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate undesirable patterns that no longer serve.
I have found that pairing SOM with Internal Family Systems Therapy, (IFS) (shadow/ inner child work) is most effective in allowing real, tangible and beneficial shifts for my clients. As an informed provider of Internal Family Systems it continues to be an ongoing passion in my studies.
I have worked in a variety of venues including community mental health organizations, hospitals, schools and private practice with individuals, children, families and groups. For the past many years my work has been solely online, which has worked better than I could have imagined and makes counseling easy and accessible.
I am a Colorado native, born in Boulder. I returned to Boulder years ago with my daughter, to be close to family, after living in various places around the United States and traveling the world. I especially enjoy the fresh mountain air as I walk my dog or ride my bike. Engaging in Freestyle dance, Authentic Movement and Expressive Art continues to be my passion. I breath deeply and count my blessings. I have recovered from a chronic illness. I have grown through many relationships. I have manifested some miracles and continue to be in awe of life and the mysteries it holds.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi
