Psychological and
Counseling Services

Individual psychotherapy for:

Professional Background:

I grew up in Florida and somehow knew in high school that I wanted to be a Psychologist. I am fortunate in fulfilling and living that dream. I completed my undergraduate work at Florida State University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. I went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from the University of South Florida and then worked in the Sarasota County school system for three years as a School Psychologist. Finally, I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Mississippi. In that same doctoral program, I met my future husband, which made all that work worthwhile. I have worked as a staff Psychologist for four different psychiatric facilities in the Houston area. The inpatient populations included adolescents, adults, and children with a wide variety of issues and diagnoses. I have been in private practice at Woodlands Family Institute since 1996.

Treatment Philosophy:

My treatment approach is very active and engaged. I like to tailor the treatment to the needs of my client. This means that the sessions can have many different faces, ie. Existentially based, Client centered, Emotionally-focused, EMDR intensive, Gottman inspired, Solution focused, or Behavioral, etc… Oftentimes, I use a Cognitive-Behavioral model, which incorporates a teaching paradigm that helps clients with problem-solving strategies and effective coping skills for working through depression, fear, grief, anxieties, and many other life conflicts. Sessions emphasize the understanding and modification of patterns of thinking and behavior to enhance personal growth and insight as well as improving quality of life. I enjoy teaching effective communication with partners/spouses, children, parents, families, peers, and colleagues. I truly consider it an honor to be invited into a person’s life and to be able to join in their journey of growth in self and relationships.

Personal Interests:

Happily married for 40 years and counting…Steve and I have four children, all growing their own careers and families. I enjoy anything that has to do with my family being together, ie. board games, trips, and especially all the spirited discussions that evolve around the dinner table. Now that they all live in Texas, that allows us the time and opportunity to celebrate more times together. I spend lots of time with my grandchildren ( 6 and counting), which gives me great joy. Just seeing the world through their eyes is magic all over again. I love being an empty nester and pursuing classical piano, reading, music, movies, cooking, taking classes, going on photographic adventures with Steve, traveling the world, making new friends, and just being comfortable with old friends.

Professional Background:

My journey into psychotherapy began in 2019 at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I then pursued a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, completing my graduate studies in 2022. I chose the LMFT route because of its strong emphasis on a systemic and relational approach. This approach closely aligns with my conceptualization of people and the world. I see us as deeply interconnected, shaped by the relationships and systems that influence our lives. Since completing graduate school, I have obtained my license to practice as an LMFT. Additionally, I had the privilege of working at a nonprofit organization, where I supported children and families facing a wide range of challenges across various life stages and cultural backgrounds. This experience deepened my understanding of diverse client needs and strengthened my commitment to compassionate, individualized care.

Philosophy:

The essence of psychotherapy is rooted in one’s intrinsic desire for change, a deep, often unspoken drive that propels us toward healing and growth. Individuals and couples come to counseling when life feels disrupted, when old patterns no longer serve us, or when the weight of emotional pain becomes too much to bear alone. Psychotherapy offers a unique space to not only acknowledge that pain but also to explore the deeper layers of ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. These moments of vulnerability, though challenging, serve as powerful invitations to pause, reflect, and engage in the courageous work of transformation.

It is my belief that we all have natural resilience and inner strength that already exists within each of us. We possess untapped skills, whether it’s adaptability, courage, empathy, or problem-solving. These skills can be drawn upon to help us navigate the complexities of life. Therapy helps uncover and nurture these innate resources, empowering us to face difficult truths without being overwhelmed. It’s not about fixing what’s “broken,” but about discovering the capabilities and wisdom we have always carried, even if they’ve been hidden beneath pain or doubt.

Clinical Focus:

My approach to therapy is deeply client-centered and strengths-based, focusing on honoring each person’s unique journey and resilience. Grounded in attachment and experiential modalities, I help clients engage with their emotions and relational patterns in authentic, embodied ways. Alongside this foundation, I integrate a variety of evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s needs, including Solution-Focused Therapy to build on strengths and set achievable goals, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for reframing unhelpful thoughts, Family Systems Therapy to explore relational dynamics, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for deepening emotional bonds, and the Gottman Method for strengthening couples’ communication and intimacy. This holistic blend allows me to support individuals, couples, and families in navigating challenges and cultivating meaningful, healing connections.

Personal Interests:

Outside of sessions, I like to spend time with my family, friends, and pets. I enjoy trying new restaurants and recipes, and I stay active by going for walks or trying out different workout classes. I also crochet, which helps me unwind and take a break from the busy pace of life. These simple pleasures help me stay grounded and energized.

Approach:

Weaves stories, humor, and acceptance throughout sessions to forge connections of awareness, forgiveness, confidence, and healing. With a collaborative, conversational style, blends current research findings and theories with the uniqueness of each person’s goals. Uses Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, Client-Centered, Mindfulness, and Meditation approaches. Certified EMDR Therapist.

Interests:

Life with my spirited, knuckleheaded grandkids; baseball; old cars; travel; flamenco, classical, and blues guitar; photography; nautical stuff; quiet time with my lady over a cup of coffee; drives in the country in my old pickup truck; the Zen art of old engine repair; philosophical discussion…

Professional Background:

Curious about human thought, feelings, behavior, and relationships since childhood, became a professional therapist via a circuitous route through two degrees in History, a doctorate in Psychology, careers in the US Navy and as a Professional Photographer. Lived in various locales around the world, including Saigon, Southern California, Mississippi, and Texas. After completing clinical internship in a private psychiatric hospital, worked two years in the Texas prison system before entering full-time private practice in 1984. Assembling a team of dedicated therapists, formed Woodlands Family Institute, P.C. and serves as Executive Director while maintaining full caseload.

Credentials:

Certified EMDR Therapist, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Listed in the National and State Registries as a Health Service Provider in Psychology. Member of the American Psychological Association and the Texas Psychological Association.