My journey with counseling began in graduate school when I was struggling with severe anxiety about having to balance my demanding job, children and graduate school.

   

          In an attempt to try anything to manage my debilitating anxiety, I came across a Acceptance and Commitment philosophy, which changed my entire outlook on how I viewed anxiety: what if, instead of running away from life, I learned to actively engage in it by changing my relationship to anxiety? What if, instead of getting angry at myself, that as a counseling student I should not feel anxious, I admitted that I am a human being and that we all have these feelings?

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             This perspective blew me away because what caused me even more anxiety than me juggling up trying to balance things out in my life was that I kept trying to get rid of this feeling or to “fix it.” This realization was a turning point for me as I delved into finding out more about myself. I went to therapy, where I was able to reflect back to myself and identify my unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors, which helped me to grow as both a mother, student, counselor and as a person.

           

          I also attended numerous workshops, training and retreats. I began to instill spirituality more into my life style which allowed me to put my new healthy habits into practice. I began to live with intention, integrating self-compassion to balance out the my old voice of critical self that had been in me for so long.

 

         I intentionally made the time for self-care and began to see how acceptance of yourself pouring into all aspects of my life, providing many more moments of joy.

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         I now know how it feels to be on the other side and personally feel the many benefits of acceptance, commitment and psychotherapy. I also know the courage it takes to be vulnerable enough to explore our inner self–a journey that, should we choose to begin, leads to a more joyful life.

As a professional counselor who has been learning to accept and live with her own personal struggles, I look forward to supporting you as you start this process of personal change, sharing your story, and daring to be vulnerable. It would be an honor to be a part of your journey.