I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) who in addition to working with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, adjustment disorders, and sex offense issues, specializes in Co-occurring addiction with mental health disorders. My counseling style is open, warm, non-judgmental and one of empowerment. I treat those with whom I interact with respect, compassion, and a sensitivity to meet you where you are. My counseling approach incorporates humanistic, cognitive behavioral with use of motivational interviewing. I attempt to fit my communication style with you to meet your unique needs. One caveat about me: I only am working evening shifts part-time for Betterhelp at this time. That means my available hours for members start at 5pm PST Wednesday through Friday evenings. However I do respond to messages as I can on other days, but again only in the evenings. It takes courage to explore avenues of change for a more fulfilling and happier life. The first steps can be the most difficult! I am here to support and empower you on your journey. I look forward to supporting you in this work! Some Background about me: I worked for four years in Colorado state prisons with sex offenders as well as several years in private organizations providing a wide range of services from substance abuse to depression and anxiety to work on cognitive distortions that perpetuate domestic violence. I have run a wide range of groups addressing areas of cognitive distortions as well as educational groups for behavior modification. While I have training in cases of Domestic Violence, I am not yet state certified to work with those who have been charged with a domestic violence offense. I am currently state approved to work with men who have been charged with a sexual offense. I am an avid yoga practitioner for health and wellness and have used exercise and healthy eating practices to manage and overcome my own past debilitating autoimmune deficiencies. I specialize in meditation and relaxation practices which have included the use of Acudetox (The 5-point Ear Acupuncture for Detox Protocol). I have written two books on the philosophy of nature as healer and meditation practices, and am working on a third book for expanding meditation practice.