Background and Counseling Approach
Meet Lucy, therapy dog in training
I was trained at Texas Woman’s University, receiving a PhD. In Counseling Psychology in 2003. My original training was steeped in Family Systems and I learned to view the world systemically, understanding that no one lives in a vacuum and the systems we live within, from our families of origin to our families of procreation, impact us profoundly. It is a great privilege for me to be able to work with your family, with targeted interventions that respect those dynamics.
During my years in training at TWU, I worked with college students at several university counseling centers (TWU, SMU and UTD). Helping young adults navigate coming of age issues including test anxiety and time management, sexual identity and intimate partner dynamics is an ongoing focus.
My knowledge of severe mental illness and psychiatric treatment deepened with my experience as a student intern at Terrell State Hospital, and later at the outpatient clinic of LifeNet. I have a special interest in providing support and help to the families of those with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
My focus on trauma emerged from my experience working in the domestic violence field, including counseling victims and perpetrators at Family Place, a domestic violence agency in Dallas. It deepened during work with substance abusers at Nexus Recovery Center, an inpatient treatment facility for women in Dallas. Women substance abusers often are self-medicating to cover up the pain of childhood abuse or domestic violence.
Affiliations
- Capital Area Psychological Association
- EMDR Certified
- Texas State Board Approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
- Texas State Board Licensed Psychologist #32810
- Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) #15734
Why Choose a Psychologist as your Therapist?
And what exactly is a Psychologist, anyway? Psychologists are social scientists trained to study human behavior and mental processes. We use research-based interventions and strategies with proven results and effectiveness to help our clients. Psychologists often have experience working in hospitals and are comfortable working with psychiatrists who are the medical doctors that prescribe mental health medications. I became a psychologist because I wanted to know more, to be a better, more complete therapist to reduce suffering and help people get better. Regardless of degree or training, nothing is more important to successful therapy than your relationship with your therapist. My goal is to provide a nurturing, safe and empathetic therapeutic space so you can trust me to help and empower your family.