I am an empathetic counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I believe that each person is an expert in their own life and functioning but sometimes the awareness of our expertise is clouded and difficult to maintain. Counseling is one method of regaining and expanding our awareness and control over our own lives. I have experience supporting and counseling individuals with situational stressors, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, parenting and step-parenting issues, and trauma. I also have experience working with parents of children, teens, and adults who are coming out as gay, queer or trans. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work with you toward greater understanding of yourself and stronger connection with your strengths and potential, helping you to make positive choices in your life – choices that work for you instead of against you. I recognize that each of us is connected to a larger network of individuals – community, family, partner – and I keep this in mind as we work toward greater effectiveness in relationships. I use a variety of tools and intervention strategies including Strengths-Based Counseling, Solution-Focused Counseling, Person-Centered Counseling, and Cognitive Behavioral Counseling (CBT). It can take courage to reach out for help and I honor the strength it took to take this step.