I believe that the most important factor for positive change in therapy is the relationship I formulate with my clients. Together, I explore with clients what happened that led to the current situation, then help to formulate a plan to aid healing and improve function.
I practice relationship-focused therapy from an attachment, identity, and developmental view, utilizing several modalities and therapies, such as EMDR, Memory Reconsolidation/Coherence Therapy, Somatic, Mindfulness, Sand Tray, and Play Therapy. I work with women and children who have experienced trauma or PTSD, whether from a one-time event, or longer term, such as domestic violence, childhood abuse or neglect, and with foster care and adoption, which are intrinsically connected to loss.
For parent and child, I facilitate attachment through attunement, attentiveness, emotion control and consistency. I can help to clarify the developmental impact of trauma on the danger response system, attachment, self-regulation, and competency. I also work with children who are struggling with home or classroom behavior, ADHD symptoms, or sensory integration issues.
I have worked with children and families in several non-professional capacities throughout my life, and professionally for the past 15 years. I have 5 grown children, two of whom I fostered and adopted, and 10 grandchildren. I spend my free time enjoying my family, gardening, reading, traveling, sewing and other handwork, and live with my very elderly kitty, Piper, and my barky little dog, Lady.