Attended UT-Austin where double majored in Art History and Psychology. Focused on child development and research. Became committed to gaining education and learning skills necessary to work as an outpatient psychotherapist. Received Masters in Social Work from The University of Houston in August 1995. Concentration in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis on Children & Families.

Post Graduate professional experience includes: 1) working as a staff psychotherapist for Cypress Creek Psychiatric Hospital with clients of all ages and diagnoses; 2) working with a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy, med-management support & parenting skills training for children and families as well as adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings; 3) working with Texas Children's Cancer Center providing support to families around chronic illness, grief & loss, & survivor issues, and 4) presently in practice as an outpatient therapist with the Woodlands Family Institute, P.C.

Current practice consists of wide range of clients. Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families. Identified issues include emotional, behavioral, psychosocial struggles. Below are common reasons for seeking therapy:

CHILDREN:

Assessment of behavioral/emotional concerns, including:  aggression, depression, impulsivity, anxiety, pervasive developmental disorders, chronic illness, grief & loss, social concerns, adjustment difficulty (move, school, new sibling)
 

• Work with children always includes parenting support

ADOLESCENTS:

Assessment of behavioral/emotional concerns, including:  relationship concerns, family conflict, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, low self-esteem, eating disorders and or body image, oppositional behavior, anger or aggression, identity, school failure, adjustment issues, chronic illness, grief & loss, and support around medication management issues
 

• Work with adolescents often incorporates the family system

FAMILIES:

Communication, family conflict, parenting support / skills training, step-family issues, divorce, adoption, grief & loss
 

ADULTS:

Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship struggles, motivational issues, job / career related problems, coping with grief and loss issues, anger, frustration, coping with chronic illness or pain, adjustment issues (a new move, change in job etc…), support around medication management issues as recommended by physician, low degree of life satisfaction
 

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY:

There are always strengths to build on. That is what is so rewarding about working with people. I treasure being able to help others identify positive aspects of themselves and then to assist them in using these strengths to build towards desired goals.

I also believe no problem is too big or too small for therapy. Clients often struggle with wondering if it is ok to be in therapy. The word therapy can be substituted for the word support, and if the outcome is a desired personal change, the size of the change is insignificant as long as there is positive growth and the client’s life satisfaction is increased. It is often not possible to achieve desired growth without the feedback of an objective individual. Therapy is personal and can result in a profound experience when there is commitment to change. The therapist is a tool to facilitate this change without taking away from that it is the client’s experience. For some this means learning new skills and gaining personal insights. For others this may mean having someone who is able to listen objectively. Support is always at the core of what the therapeutic relationship should provide.

Personal: I am a 30-something with a husband who is a chef and a 6 year old daughter who loves to dance and a toddler who is into everything. I have a big dog named Travis and I really like to listen to Ray Charles and Neil Young. I am an avid X-files fan, can't wait for the next Harry Potter book, and enjoy celebrating everything.