About Me
Born in Northern California, I have always been drawn to the beauty and strength of the Redwood and Giant Sequoia trees of that region. My fondest memories are of exploring the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy valleys. Now residing in Boise Idaho, outside of working as a psychologist I am often found hiking and enjoying the great outdoors of the Intermountain West with my two dogs.
I gravitate towards and understanding and mastering of the mind-body connection as it connects to physical, emotional, and cognitive problems or pain. My therapeutic approach is collaborative in establishing a relationship and in development of treatment goals and objectives; I approach out work from a blend of Person-Centered and Third-Wave (i.e., mindfulness-based) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches. I hold certification in several Evidence Based Psychotherapies, including CBT for depression/anxiety, CBT for Chronic Pain, CBT for Insomnia, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Regardless of what “treatment approach” we decide upon together, my underlying goals are to assist you in a better understanding of your current challenges in a collaborative manner that takes into account the way your have learned to think and behave based on your lived experiences and relational interactions.
I hold the philosophy that both pain (both physical and emotional) is a natural and inevitable part of the human condition. Suffering, however, is a result of how we interact with and respond to our pain. My therapeutic approach seeks not to try and eliminate pain, but rather to find ways to reduce associated suffering by re-connecting with your aspirations, sense of purpose, and relationships. I.e., your values.
Wawona: The Tree of Time
Inspiration for my Practice comes from a beloved children’s book of mine about one special Giant Sequoia. This book traces and follows the life of the great Wawona Tree from its seedling stage and across its 2,000 year lifespan, relating the tree’s development to significant events throughout world history. This true story demonstrates a single tree’s incredible fortitude and resilience, even as it is hollowed out to become a tunnel through Yosemite National Park.
The Redwood and Giant Sequoia trees have long been associated with strength, durability, and perseverance through adversity. Redwood trees often symbolize a balance of present-focused living while being firmly grounded in a manner to endure over time. I chose this favorite tree of mine to represent my practice as not only a fond personal memory, but a powerful reminder of these themes for becoming and staying rooted and resilient throughout time.
