Selected as "2017, 2019 and 2021 South Haven Best Family Therapist" with over 55 five-star reviews and specializing in individual and marriage therapy, I have 30+ years experience in helping people mend broken hearts and wounded spirits to find inner peace and regain self-confidence. In doing your work, you will find healing and practical life solutions, resulting in positive changes for recovery and self-care while regaining control of your life and happiness.

We work as a team using talk therapy, healing techniques, and coping skills to help you reach your life’s fullest potential. In finding your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through autonomy and choice, you will create a healthier, happier you, affecting all aspects of your life.

As the script-writer, director, and producer of your life, you set the agenda for counseling sessions and therapeutic goals. We work together using talk therapy, healing techniques and coping skills to make your life be what you want.  If you do the work of therapy and change the internal narrative, your life will never be the same!

ABOUT

In private practice since 2011, I have more than 30 years in administrative and clinical experience as a licensed clinical social worker/psychotherapist. Fully licensed in Michigan and North Carolina, I specialize in individual and marriage therapy.  My work experience has been in non-profit, community and hospital-based mental health programs offering both group and individual therapy. In addition, I have directed a hospital-based Employee Assistance Program and supervised student interns.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

I was graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a double major: B.A. in Philosophy and B.A. with Honors in English.  I obtained a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of South Carolina, preceded by a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In Michigan, I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and in North Carolina, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  I maintain clinical integrity and therapeutic skills by attending multiple mental health workshops annually. I hold a current license and have been a member of the National Association of Social Workers since 1996.

SPECIALTIES

A therapist must maintain integrity and confidentiality in developing a counseling relationship based on trust and honesty, as well as ethical boundaries.  Once a therapeutic bond is established, counseling work proceeds with you directing the pace and outcome of the counseling sessions.  The following special areas have been the most beneficial in working with my clients:

MARRIAGE
FAMILY
iNDIVIDUAL
RELATIONSHIPS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
SEXUAL ABUSE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
GRIEF
DEPRESSION
aNXIETY
ANGER MANAGEMENT
COPING SKILLS
TRAUMA
PARENTING
NARCISSISM

As an individual and marriage therapist, I work in both individual and group formats with teens and adults. Also, I lead a closed Sexual Assault Survivors group on a weekly basis.  Admission to the group is via an interview with me, and the material is Christian-based. The group sessions provide a safe and confidential venue to express emotions and to heal.

Therapeutic Approach

People who seek my help are my clients, not my patients. My primary goal is to teach principles by which the client ultimately has the tools to meet life’s challenges – promoting autonomy, responsibility for the choices one makes, and accountability for the consequences of those choices. I use the concept of Parent/Adult/Child to convey you are the script-writer, director and producer of your own life. If you are not happy with your life, that is a signal that something is not right, and a correction is necessary to restore a healthy balance on all four planes: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

We work together to understand the “why” behind issues and to resolve issues, leading to an autonomous life. You will be given suggestions for reading material, exercises, and techniques to facilitate your healing.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and integrity within ethical boundaries are essential components of a healthy therapeutic relationship. However, under threat of harm to oneself or to another, or disclosure of child abuse/neglect, I will break confidentiality in accordance with Michigan or North Carolina law. I do not have to have proof of abuse - suspicion alone is enough to require a report to Adult/Child Protective Services.  In addition, I may not disclose whether an individual is or is not a client or release any information without a signed Consent for Release of Information form.