Sometimes it feels like we are just surviving. When we have limited resources, we can feel lost, anxious, depressed, regressive and retraumatized. When we live in this place it becomes particularly easy to operate from automatic thinking, triggers and old family patterns. We often work, love, parent and engage in relationships from this unconscious, unhappy place. It is easy to operate from autopilot and reactivity where our level of distress impacts both our self and those we love. Together we can explore the impacts of childhood and early attachment that affect development, and ultimately well-being.
It is beneficial to see the whole person and use their strengths to heal. Cultivating awareness is also key. I use mindfulness to increase self-compassion, non-judgment, acceptance, and awareness. This approaches allows us to look at all aspects of health and to recognize patterns that no longer serve you - getting you in touch with your potential.
I am genuine, warm and present. I invite all of you to show up. In this safe place, a true exploration of what keeps us stuck can happen where we unfold together a deeper wisdom. It is my hope to embrace challenges with strengths, pain with love, and fear with compassion and bravery.
I have worked with a variety of populations in a number of settings since 2006 ranging from crisis work, chronic pain, cancer, and recovery. However, it was my experience at UCSD’s Center for Mindfulness in 2007, under the mentorship of director Steven Hickman, Psy.D., that I found my deep calling. This internship cultivated a passion for mindfulness that has guided my clinical work since.
My doctoral research focused on mindfulness and professionals-in-training illustrating the importance that therapists practice mindfulness themselves. I looked at burnout and became very interested in what instills lifeblood in our journey. That said, I am a mindfulness practitioner. Mindfulness is a personal passion that has translated into every essence of my being, including the root of my professional life. I have lectured at two national conferences on this topic and co-authored a published chapter on mindfulness and self-care in a peer reviewed journal along with other mindfulness articles.
Just recently I my excerpts were chosen in a book on Mindful Motherhood that highlight my expertise in mindful parenting and reparenting. I enjoy facilitating workshops, talks, groups, and meditations. I am currently working on a book that focuses on mindful family living and run a small private practice in Boulder while balancing family life.
Since 2008 I have worked in private practice as a psychotherapist employing mindfulness-based psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. I graduated in 2012 with a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) with an emphasis in *Integrative Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. I am a registered psychotherapist in the state of Colorado, wellness coach and parenthood guide (in any state). My wisdom, while grounded in education, is alive with experience.
In addition to my role as a clinician, I am a professor, author, and collaborator. I have also co-founded several psychological communities/organizations. I stay active as a member (since 2006) of the Center for Integrative Psychology. I am rooted in community, it is here I both nurture and am nurtured, thrive and come alive.