BACKGROUND

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I combine my passion for serving others with in-depth clinical knowledge of mental health to offer hope to the hurting soul.   My desire is to work with individuals and families, and come along side them in their journey of self-discovery and healing.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

As a Registered Nurse, I worked in the operating room where I assisted in open-heart surgeries.  I ultimately worked as a private nurse for two heart surgeons, and later for a plastic surgeon.  In addition, I am also a professional artist and poet.

In 2012 I became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and I moved my office to Winter Park where I own my own counseling practice.

EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma.   I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

I currently belong to the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP).

THEORETICAL ORIENTATION

My philosophical orientation is strongly influenced by the existential approach which is more of a way of thinking than any particular style of practicing psychotherapy.  This approach is grounded on the assumption that we are free and therefore responsible for our choices and actions.  I draw techniques from other models of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy.  I particularly use empty chair, role-playing, art therapy, bibliotherapy, psycho-education, Twelve-step recovery, and group therapy.  I value the psychoanalytic emphasis on early psychosexual and psychosocial development and how our past plays a crucial role in shaping our current personality and behavior.  I value the way our thinking affects the way we feel and behave, and I emphasize personal responsibility and the power of choice. I consider it essential that clients put into practice in everyday life what they are learning in therapy.

I believe in the medicine of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit and, therefore, I am a holistic practitioner. I subscribe to a team approach to treatment, with direct communication between the team members to ensure continuity of care.  I have a keen interest in working with people who are coping with eating disorders and their co-morbidities (i.e. anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, etc.) and have completed three internships in eating disorder recovery treatment.  I continue to receive training in eating disorder treatment and participate in professional organizations for eating disorder specialists.

WORLDVIEW

I have a Christian worldview, and I believe the transformation and regeneration of the mind is essential in the recovery process.  

PERSONAL

I enjoy being a mother of three adult children, fishing, reading, painting, walking, kayaking, and playing with my two Chihuahuas.

@mydailygrowth