MY JOURNEY
I believe your story is the most powerful tool you’ve got. It has the ability to take you places you’ve always dreamed of, heal the broken parts of you, and ultimately invite you into the role of a lifetime—where you play the author—the creator—instead of the victim.
My story has given me context as to how this phenomenon works. As someone who has struggled with intense depression and anxiety along the way, I decided in my mid-twenties that I wanted to use this complex pain for a purpose greater than myself. I wanted to remind people of their inherent worth and value. I wanted to point them to hope.
This took shape in many forms, mainly music early on as a professional singer/songwriter, and now as a sought-after psychotherapist, coach, and speaker. For well over a decade, I’ve supported thousands of people in the work of integration-this stunning process of becoming whole-using a powerful tool called the Enneagram. As a dominant type four, I’m skilled and confident to hold space for the often painful stories that must inevitably unravel in order to heal. I believe when we own these stories and learn to befriend ourselves, there is a transformational process that takes place: we find our voice…and start to use it. As your guide through this process, I’m convinced we can change the course of history and create a compelling next chapter in the story of you.
SCHOOL AND CAREER
I received my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies (aka I have no idea what I want to do with my life) from Belmont University after several breaks and plenty of resistance toward higher education. Upon graduation, I did some research and decided to dive into graduate school and pursue a career in therapy. I earned a Master’s in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2009.
After a few years working in the Christian music industry as an artist and songwriter and concurrently earning licensure requirements at a local non-profit, I decided to streamline my energy and focus. I built a private practice, honing my skills and work as a therapist specializing in the creative, experiential process. I still love to write and record music independently.
MY APPROACH
My approach is relational and unpretentious. My hope is that my clients actually look forward to therapy sessions! I emphasize the fact that trusting the process is an adventurous journey safeguarded within the context of an honest, confidential and nurturing therapeutic relationship.
My heart is to help people understand and embrace their unique desires, needs, and identity. These ultimately tether us to healthy beliefs about life and ourselves and anchor us amidst chaos. I believe fear can be a very destructive force that stunts authenticity and progress, keeping us isolated in our pain. Because of this, asking for help is extremely brave, and is a step I take seriously and very much champion for all my clients!
SELF-CARE
Self-Care is a huge part of my holistic approach to therapy. I am a strong proponent of the mind-body-spirit connection when it comes to optimal personal health. Exercise, rest, and a healthy relationship with food are vitally important in promoting emotional wellness and growth. Exercise alone is an effective natural antidepressant and directly reduces anxiety. These things are also typically within our control when other difficult life experiences may not be. It’s empowering to know what we have control of, and make healthy choices to promote excellence in those areas. Often times, the most important first step is to get our self-care in check and build on that gradually. I love helping people find a system of self-care that is realistic and caters to their specific schedule and needs.
