My path to counseling began in an unexpected way. While two years into pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, I was asked to lead a consciousness awareness group for a psychology professor. That experience changed everything. I realized I missed working with people, felt a calling, and rather than continuing to live in the world of algorithms and logic, I changed my major and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Montana State University in Bozeman.
On my first day of counseling classes one of the professors asked us to answer the question “Why do people change?” When I began to write I was surprised to find that I thought people were motivated to change because they were in pain of some kind — physical, mental, or emotional. And while I still see pain as a potent catalyst, my answer today would be broader, deeper, and wiser. I now believe we are born with an innate need to grow and change, to evolve, to become our best selves and to express our own unique gifts and talents.
During the last year of my graduate work, I was awarded a scholarship designed to help Native American students become psychotherapists. This was a great honor and a great gift. In order to show my appreciation, I went to work as a high school counselor on both the Hopi (AZ) and Zuni (NM) Indian Reservations. I treasure the relationships, the learning, and the memories from this time in my life
I also spent several years working with inner city students in Boston. I ran a GED program for high school drop outs from the projects. Another great learning experience - especially for me.
In 1992 I opened my private practice. I am continually moved by the depth and uniqueness of each person’s story. Never have I heard the same story twice. I am endlessly fascinated by the people I work with and the challenges they face and overcome.
I became interested in Brief or Solution Focused Therapy through my study of hypnosis. I was drawn to the idea of helping people move quickly toward meaningful change, toward new behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, without appending a lot of time focusing on pathology or it’s origin. Regardless of diagnosis, real transformation comes from trying new things, taking new steps, and seeing ourselves in new ways.
From Brief Therapy to coaching was a short ideological jump for me. I trained at Coach U and became a professionally Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, and began blending therapeutic depth with the momentum of coaching. I love the collaborative nature of coaching — it’s an energizing, future-focused process that complements my therapeutic work beautifully.
My greatest hope for my the people I work with is that they come into their own in a deeply satisfying way. I hope they feel inspired and supported in initiating and bringing into being the changes that they seek in themselves and in their lives. I feel honored to be trusted, to support people in confronting their challenges, and to see them become powerful in their own lives.
