In order to assist in making a decision to work with me, you may want to know some things about my professional history, experience and theoretical perspectives. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from Fairmont State University and a Master of Science degree in Industrial Relations from West Virginia University. I also hold a Master of Arts in counseling from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Tx.
I have lived in Austin since 1989. I was employed in the high-tech industry for over a decade before choosing counseling as my second career. I enjoy multiple hobbies and interests.
I practice from the Christian perspective when the client requests but I welcome clients from any faith. I feel my personal experiences and education have qualified me to connect and empathize with my clients in order to help them examine and redefine multiple aspects of their lives within a therapeutic setting.
My practice embraces an all-encompassing approach toward making changes in multiple areas of your life based on Albert Ellis’s theory of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). REBT is an action-directed therapy in which emotional and behavioral problems are addressed through exploration of your beliefs. Ellis believed that if you change your thinking you can change your life. Based on his premise, I believe it is important to explore multiple areas of your life and the beliefs you act upon in order to discover opportunities where you can implement empowering changes.
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in order to address repressed traumas, emotional issues and dysfunctional thinking. While it is not understood exactly how EMDR works, it has been highly utilized, studied and found to be effective since 1987. (see www.emdria.org for more information.)
My therapeutic style is didactic and motivational. I work closely with the client to facilitate exploration of various areas of the client’s life. This collaborative effort leads to a customized approach to therapy based on the needs of each individual and involves a whole-life application which includes the mind, body and spirit. I believe it is important for the client to feel empowered, encouraged and educated during the counseling process.
I don’t want to just help you feel better….
I want to help you change your life!