My Story

The only time I attempted to run away from home as a child was right before my parents told me we were going to family therapy. During that first session, I sat with my arms crossed, knees tucked into my chest, and refused to talk. My introduction to therapy did not align with my personality. I was a lively child who was misunderstood and labeled as problematic. My energy and behaviors were often dampened rather than celebrated and encouraged. I grew up feeling like the world wasn’t designed for me and instead learned how to sacrifice my spunk in order to fit in.

 Except for when I was in nature. When I was playing outside, I felt free to be me without any constraints. The outdoors gave me a chance to take a break from the complexities of growing up. My love for the natural world and the love for the way I felt while outside led me to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. My days and nights spent working outdoors showed me that healing can be creative and engaging, rather than “one size fits all,” like I had experienced the first time I went to therapy. This realization inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ironically, my opposition to therapy was channeled into becoming a therapist many years later. I wanted to figure out a way to adapt what I had learned from my relationship with nature to fit into a more traditional therapeutic environment. 

Although I have a strong connection to nature, I am well aware that not everyone has the opportunity nor the desire to be outside. My intention is to bring the lessons I have learned to clients who could benefit from a more engaging, holistic, and creative approach to therapy, no matter where sessions take place. At its core, therapy with me is a chance to discover your unique potential without feeling like a square peg in a round hole.  

From 7 years of therapeutic practice, I have had the chance to work in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. My therapeutic stance is rooted in relationships and family systems. That means I view people as being in a relationship with problems rather than people being problematic themselves. I believe that we all come from our own unique lived experiences and cultural contexts. Because of that understanding, I meet the client in the context in which they belong rather than assuming that there is a universal way to navigate life. I am able to walk alongside my clients in their journey rather than leading the way. Theoretically, I utilize principles from the narrative, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy, all with a mindfulness-based approach.

Besides being a therapist, I love playing the fiddle, thrifting, cooking meals with friends, making art, and of course, spending time in our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.