Building trust and safety in a professional setting is the foundation for any successful endeavor to effect personal change and to enable the therapeutic process. My sense of the importance of creating a secure base to promote emotional growth was validated by pursuing and practicing counseling predicated on Attachment Theory. Attachment theory as a scientific approach to human development informs both the practitioner and the parent in me. Additionally, concepts of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) inform my training and interests. Specific treatment strategies within the fields of EMDR and DBT have influenced me as best practice strategies to reduce emotional suffering and promote growth while taking advantage of the latest research as well as considerations of time and cost to clients. Finally, Family Systems therapy compliments insight into ourselves as we appreciate the dynamic forces of the parties that have and continue to influence our relationships with others and ourselves.
Training and Experience
EMDR Certified practitioner (Certification supervision and Basic training with Rick Levinson, LCSW, 2012- Certificate of Completion, NPI Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with EMDR Therapy with Craig Penner, LMFT, 2015-Certficate of Completion; NP2: Subtle Dissociation, Developmental Trauma, Attachment Dynamics with Craig Penner, LMFT, 2017- Certificate of Completion)
Family Systems (Post-graduate training and supervision with Carol Middelberg, PhD, 2013-2015- Certificate of Completion)
DBT trained practitioner (Adapting your DBT Program for Adolescents: Helping Emotionally Dysregulated & Suicidal Teens. The Linehan Institute, Nov. 2014- Certificate of Completion)
Seton Behavioral Health, Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, 2013-2015
Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit, 2012-2014
Served as Public Member of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, 1995-2004
Mother to four adolescent boys
Practicing artist
Education
Saint Edward's University 2010-12, Master of Arts in Counseling
University of Houston Law Center 1989-92, Juris Doctorate
Vanderbilt University 1984-88, Bachelor of Arts
