About Me
I love animals and the way they are always present.
I have too many dogs, but it is not possible to have too many horses. I love to show and ride horses. I ride jumpers and sometimes hunters, although I prefer the objectiveness of jumpers. I have a farm where I do my equine therapy, and that is my passion.
I have a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Rehabilitative Counseling. I received my License Professional Counselor in 2005, and I became a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider in 2005.
I became a therapist to understand human behavior better and because I want to leave the world a little better place than when I got here. There have been many influences on my experience of being a therapist. However, in 5th grade, I did a report on mental health and was fascinated at the lack of compassion and understanding for mental health. That got me started on the road to mental health, and seeing how people can change keeps me rooting for my clients.
I have been approved for training as clinical supervision since 2008 and retook the training in 2017. I love to work with therapists in training, as well as therapists who are well established. I am Level I and II trained in EMDR. I am also EAGALA Certified in Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning.
I have experience teaching at the high school and college levels, teaching equine-assisted therapy classes, and having a graduate intern.
I am a private pay therapist or out of network. I do not accept any insurance. If you would like to bill your insurance I am happy to provide a superbill. Please check with your insurance company for out of network benefits.
I am really grateful for the opportunity to go on this journey with you.
It is only a couple more clicks on the computer, and you can schedule the appointment for us to meet.
So, go ahead, schedule the 15-minute free consultation. Call (804) 372-5499.
About Therapy
Change is difficult, and it often comes when we least expect it.
It may come because something forced us to make a change. Let’s face it… we are truly creatures of habit. We will do the same thing, eat the same thing, and wear the same thing – unless something big happens to make us do something different.
Doing something new can be intimidating and hard. Sometimes, we need someone to help us understand why we behave the way we do or why we can’t let certain habits go.
You’re ready to seek help to change. You don’t want to be afraid and sad.
You’re ready to feel different, see the world’s colors, and feel other emotions besides just panic and sadness.
I want to help you find a voice and be heard.
I spend my time listening to people and helping them find a way out of the darkness and into brighter places. Change is possible for everyone, even those who feel they are unworthy of the smallest things in life.
It is possible to feel worthy. It is a journey to change, and it takes time and patience to change. It takes someone to walk alongside you. I enjoy being that person who walks with you for part of the journey – to help you find your way to where you want to go and give you the skills to use further down the road.
Animals have been with me on my journey – dogs and horses mostly.
They have played a huge part in my decisions to become a therapist. They also have a role in what you may be looking for now. Interacting with a horse or dog is easier than interacting with a human. Sometimes, we can work out the problems we have with humans by working through a problem with horses. Sometimes, it is just nice to sit with them and feel the calm they bring and feel the sunshine or air on your face.
If you prefer to make your journey more inside, that works as well.
This is about your journey…
… and how we can work together to make it more enjoyable and special for you.
I believe that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all flow together and that experiences are better at changing these sometimes than talking. So using more experiential or doing therapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and adding mindfulness techniques to help things stick adds to the power of talking.
So what are these techniques?
EMDR is a technique of refiling the memories so that they don’t get in the way of everyday life anymore.
EMDR intensives that are longer sessions (typically 3 hours each) and increase in flexibility for scheduling and be helpful in achieving goals in less time. To learn more about please go to the EMDR Intensives page.
ACT challenges you to have a more compassionate view of problems and a different perspective on the problem. If the problems are not always going to come, then constantly preparing to fight them seems ineffective. ACT helps us find more effective ways of coping. It also makes us question if you are living in alignment with your values.
Equine Assisted Therapy can also be combined with intensives or individual or group sessions. In these session you will be able to spend time with horses and learn from about yourself.
These techniques ask you to be present in the moment, which is what mindfulness is all about. Mindfulness is a way to pay attention to ourselves and our surroundings without judgment. That can be a tricky part, but it is definitely doable.
We experience life, and I believe experiencing therapy is helpful to have a more positive experience in life.
I am here to help and guide by providing assistance and motivation. I will not do the work for you, but I will walk with you.
