I became a therapist because I am inspired by the journey to a life worth living. In the face of tragedy, pain and hardship, I was introduced to the symbol of a labyrinth. A labyrinth is not a maze. Its a path that winds, twists and turns. It brings you to your center, but also out to your fringes. And, at times, you feel very very lost while walking it. But the beauty of the labyrinth is that if you keep walking, you come to the center. You come to your center. This symbol has brought me peace and hope many times. It helps me to keep walking when I feel lost, and to believe that nothing lasts forever and things will be different, be better, be worse. I think I am called to this work because I want to help other people find what steadies them.

I grew up in high-achieving environments where the pressure to perform was constant and the cost of that pressure often went unexamined. As a young adult, I faced some really difficult things and what was expected of me, what I expected of myself, didn't leave much room for self compassion. It has taken years of learning and unlearning to experience more ease, deeper connection to others, and a kind relationship with myself.

That work is ongoing. It is why I'm here, and it is why I take this work so seriously.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent a decade working in outdoor education and adventure programming. While the greatest draw of those jobs was being outside, in nature, doing things I loved. I also noticed the inherent therapeutic work taking place. Young people challenging themselves, connecting with each other, being away from family for the first time and immersing themselves into natural environments brought about amazing growth and change. This turned out to be the most rewarding part of that decade of work. It is what led me to pursuing my professional license in mental health counseling.

I believe that the relationship we build together is the foundation to our work. Change happens inside of that safety, and that safety takes time to build. I don't rush it. I show up as myself, I stay curious, and I genuinely care about the people I work with. Getting to walk alongside someone as they hurt, grow, and find their way is getting to witness bravery and survival.

I also believe you can change. Not just manage or cope but actually change. I've lived it, and, I’ve witnessed it.

Life is full of twists and turns. It isn't a maze. My job is to walk that path with you, and to support you as you find your way.