areas of focus
anxiety & depression
Anxiety can look like excessive worry or stress. Anxiety might be identified by the display of other symptoms such as increased irritability or difficulty sleeping. Individuals may also experience deep restlessness or excessive fatigue. Anxiety can often cause difficulty engaging in what otherwise may be enjoyable activities such as spending time with friends or family. It can be helpful to understand what may contribute to anxious thoughts and offer different tools to combat those thoughts.
spiritual issues
I have training in Spiritual Direction and received an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Talbot School of Theology. This background informs my work and allows me to draw on experiences of walking with individuals as they explore their faith. I have an avid interest in helping individuals involved in church ministry. This may look like exploring doubts, identifying areas of growth, or increasing awareness of how values may not align with behavior or feelings. I have offered spiritual direction to pastors and pastors in training since 2009 as they seek to understand how to experience God and shepherd their congregation when feeling burned out themselves. I hope to support individuals living overseas navigate the challenges faced in cross-cultural ministry. I also seek to be a support to the local church with individuals that may require a higher level of care than what a pastor may be able to offer.
relationships
I believe we are relational beings. We discover ourselves within the context of relationships. Relationships are difficult and often messy. Therapy can be a helpful place to explore how you relate to others and identify patterns of relating that may contribute to feelings of loneliness or frustration. It seems helpful to have a third party help bring a greater understanding to your experience and join you in figuring out how to experience relationships that feel lifegiving.
trauma
Trauma results after a harmful or scary event such as a natural disaster, sexual assault, or near-death experience. Immediately following the event one may experience denial or shock. Longer term response also occurs which may be experienced as flashbacks, difficulty in relationships, and unpredictable emotions. Trauma also may result from extended exposure to a stressful event or relationship. Therapy can be help identify traumatic events and help bring understanding to what may appear to be unhelpful responses to incidents. As one continues to understand past experiences and how they may influence or impact behavior, it becomes increasingly possible to respond or engage with others differently. Again, this is a move towards greater health and deeper and more satisfying relationship with others.
self-esteem
Therapy is helpful in bringing greater understanding to your behavior and automatic response to situations. As you discover and explore why you may often respond in a similar way to situations, you can foster a greater compassion and understanding towards your self.
young adults
I have an avid interest in helping young adults navigate the early years of independence as they seek to understand and find their place in society. Many questions emerge at this stage: Who am I? What do I want to pursue? What matters in life? What do I believe? What guides my decisions? Who do I love? It is often helpful to have a safe place to explore these questions.