How We Work
Therapy Designed for Transformation
Some problems don’t yield to more effort or better advice. We provide experiential, humanistic therapy that collaborates with individuals, couples, and families to discover new ways of experiencing themselves and their relationships.
Evidence-Based Relational Repair: Through EFT, we don’t just teach communication hacks and coping skills. We address the underlying needs that drive conflict, and session by session work toward you creating a genuine steadiness and closeness. We support you through the process of creating a bond unique to your couple or family or friendship that can weather the ups and downs of life.
Targeted Trauma Resolution with EMDR: Painful events can leave your nervous system stuck on high alert. EMDR allows your brain to reprocess lingering memories, reducing emotional distress without requiring you talk through the details.
I bring a broad and realistic perspective to mental health and wellness having lived many of lives surprising twists and turns. My work is tailored to each client, collaborative and grounded in approaches with demonstrated effectiveness. My training includes the top organizations in the field including the International Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapists (ICEEF and the international association for EMDR (EMDIRA).
My education includes an MS in marriage family therapy, and from my previous careers a law degree (JD) and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
My background provides diverse reference points for understanding the challenges, professional and personal, you may be facing. As a JD/MBA, I enjoyed a career with director-level positions in technology management and intellectual property, working and living in several countries. I am an immigrant from Canada to the United States and have walked the path to citizenship. And creativity has always been an important part of my life – in my early career, I was a dancer and choreographer touring internationally and directing an Emmy-award-winning company. You may find I bring somatic techniques, the body and mindfulenss into our sessions as they fit.
The COVID epidemic shifted my professional focus to mental health, and I assisted in the successful roll-out of the 988 national suicide and crisis line in addition to working in COVID testing services. For six years, I also provided peer support for individuals and couples facing head and neck cancer. Inspired by the work and the strides forward I had made with my therapist, I dedicated several years to graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy.
I provide mental health, wellness, consulting and education services for couples and clients who place a high value their privacy and mental health. I see clients in person in Clayton and online throughout North Carolina, practicing under the supervision of Tracey Frink, LMFT-S.
Memberships and Advanced Training
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), member on certification track
American Association of Marriage Family Therapy, member
Training:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDIRA certified training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) – ICEEFT Externship Certification Track and Supervision
Attachment Injury Repair Model within EFT – Betrayal and Infidelity (AIRM)
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
Solution-Focused Training – Future-Oriented and Strengths-Based
Clinical Trauma: Mastering Polyvagal Theory
Yoga for Trauma
Mindsight Approach to Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dr. Dan Siegal
Professional Course in Positive Neuroplasticity, Dr. Rick Hanson
LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Prevention
Vibrant 988 Lifeline Crisis Training
Non-Violent Communication Training
Mindful Self-Compassion Training (MSC), Dr. Kristin Neff