Why “Honoring the Courage to Change”? Years ago, while working with those in recovery, I learned a prayer written by theologian Rheinhold Niebuhr and adopted by every 12 Step Program of which I am aware. It is known as The Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things that I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
I return to this prayer frequently and it reflects well the work done in therapy – finding the balance between what we must accept and what is possible to change and then finding the courage to make the changes that lead to health and wholeness.
I honor the courage to change by:
- Recognizing the hardest part of change might be admitting help is needed
- Providing a non-judgmental, safe, and confidential environment
- Helping clients clarify and formulate clear, achievable goals
- Practicing in a professional, ethical, and theoretically sound manner
- Knowing that acceptance is often the hardest change we make
- Believing that joining in someone’s healing journey is an honor and is sacred work
Three key values create the foundation for my practice and the atmosphere that facilitates growth and change:
Genuine Care
I understand how risky it may feel to meet with a new therapist for the first time. I make this process as comfortable as possible by extending genuine acceptance and grace. Developing a trusting, collaborative relationship is my priority at the beginning of therapy, and throughout. How I “show up” helps. I am down-to-earth, love to laugh, can admit when I am wrong, and am open to learning from my clients.
Clinical Excellence
- Over 26 years of experience providing individual and family therapy, in both public mental health and private practice settings
- Degrees from Calvin University and Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in North Carolina and Indiana
- Training and experience working with diverse populations in a culturally sensitive and informed way.
- Advanced training and experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and Individuals.
- Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist.
- Continually learning and growing by participating in two consultation groups and clinical consultation whenever needed.
- Excellence that extends to self-care, and care for my spiritual life and personal relationships. I practice what I preach.
Professional Standards
- I am committed to upholding the Ethical Standards of my professional association, the AAMFT. See The AAMFT Code of Ethics.
- I uphold the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
- My professional standards extend to conducting my practice with cultural competence, trauma informed principles, and allyship for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- I provide confidential and secure telehealth services.