Professional Experience:
I earned a Bachelors degree in Integrative Studies in Human Relations from Arizona State University – Barrett Honors College and a Masters in Psychology from Chapman University in California. I am an Arizona Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBTC).
In addition to my private practice, I also work at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center facilitating counseling groups on the in-patient unit for those who were admitted due to suicidal/homicidal ideation, psychosis, and detox. As a certified DBT therapist, I facilitate the Intensive Out Patient Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (IOP-DBT) group for those who struggle with emotion regulation. I have been at Banner for over 15 years, which has given me the opportunity to work with individuals and their families with a variety of challenges. My role in developing the chemical dependency & mental health programs at the hospital were instrumental in preparing me to work with individuals from all backgrounds who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues (mild & severe).
I enjoy presenting at both the local and national levels. I have been honored to present for Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) national conference and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) national conference. I've had the opportunity to work as a consultant/trainer/speaker for local news organizations, libraries, hospitals, universities, and treatment centers. From my work as a psychological autopsy investigator, I am able to provide consultation services to hospitals and clinics related to suicide assessments and prevention strategies.
As a Senior Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University (GCU), I can stay on top of the latest research and techniques. This is important to not only help prepare the next generation of counselors, but also to help my clients with the latest evidence based approaches.
My previous work as a counselor at the Betty Ford Center (now Hazelden-Betty Ford) in California provided me with the training, experience, and confidence to work with individuals and/or their families struggling with the disease of addition and codependency to find the peace and serenity they all desire.
I have also counseled families in a community counseling agency as well as women and children in a Domestic Violence Shelter where I helped to heal their often unseen wounds. I can bring this experience and knowledge into our counseling session to help you heal, create healthy relationships and to keep you and your family safe. My personal experience as well as my previous research in helping children cope with interparental conflict after a divorce helped me to appreciate the challenges that come from a high conflict divorce as well as research based practices to help families cope.
Personal:
Finally, although I have dedicated much of my life to helping others, I try to practice what I preach, a balanced life. I am married to my best friend, have a goofy rescue lab/cattle/little bit of everything dog, 1 and 1/3 horses (1 horse and 1 feisty mini horse) and 3 vivacious sons. The eldest works in wilderness conservation, my middle is finishing up at ASU and the youngest is still at home navigating his way through adolescence and preparing to leave for college. I am a native of AZ, a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200 hr) and enjoy skiing, riding our horses, dancing, watching soccer, hiking, traveling, and anything outdoors.
I hope learning about my history in this field helps you to feel confident in knowing that you have chosen an experienced and mindful guide and that you are investing wisely in your journey toward creating the life you want.