Curiosity. Compassion. Connection.
Confidence. Courage. Creativity.
Clarity. Calm.
These are 8 words that Dick Schwartz uses to describe something he calls:
“Self Energy.”
Self Energy exists in all of us and is the key to unlocking our unique potential.
I have always been interested in human behavior and relationships. Growing up the oldest of 5 children and 24 grandchildren, family was our priority. I learned both the safety and joy of relationship and the pain of conflict, fear and shame.
I have found that life is not always what we expect or hope for. In a culture that values logic over emotions and intuition, we aren’t taught to move through natural and inevitable responses to heartbreak and loss. But we are not meant to get stuck in the pain.
Self energy shows us the way. It offers that crack of light in the dark. I have been lucky enough to have helpers, including therapists, point me in the direction of that light when I couldn’t see it myself.
I’d love to hear from you!
Together, let’s create a map specific to you for your one of a kind journey.
Experience
I believe experience matters. Over the course of my 25 year career in human services I have worked in many professional settings that helped me see and experience relationships in unique and valuable ways. These settings include farming, juvenile corrections, the restaurant industry, youth leadership programs, and community mental health. I have been in private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2016.
Education
I finished my bachelors degree in family science in 1998 and received my masters in marriage, couple, and family therapy in 2011. I first began my study of attachment theory and interpersonal biology through the work of Dan Siegel and Bruce Perry. I have participated in numerous trauma trainings with Janina Fisher and completed EMDR training in 2015. After receiving several years of consultation with IFS lead trainer Mariel Pastor, I completed my IFS level 1 training in 2019.
I have completed additional training in polyvagal theory, somatic experiencing, and sensorimotor psychotherapy. I am currently being trained to work with couples specifically using Intimacy From the Inside Out, the IFS couples model created by Toni Herbine-Blank.
I would like to pay tribute to the late Matt Modrcin, an expert in the field of attachment and shame, who was also beloved supervisor and mentor.
