About Therapy
We all need and deserve support as we take on life’s challenges.
On the surface, most people wouldn’t have any idea about the thoughts racing through your mind or the dark feelings you experience. Career, education, relationships, kids… you’ve made your life happen, but you wish it could be easier. You carry a heaviness emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Perhaps you are aware of trauma in your past. Or maybe you are uncertain whether what you went through is “traumatic enough.” Either way, there is a sense that your past is very much in your present in the form of ongoing patterns, repeated thoughts, and familiar feelings.
You feel trapped.
You may have tried therapy in the past. Perhaps, you have tried lots of therapy. There has been some progress, but you notice old ways of thinking and behaving seem to creep back in.
Even though you don’t know exactly how to change things in your life, you haven’t entirely given up hope in yourself, your emotional freedom, and your dreams.
The simple fact you are reading this right now is a sign that you are taking action to create the life you want and deserve.
I’m here to help.
A listening, nonjudgmental ear…
Old messages might tell you that you do not deserve the time and attention a therapist offers. I invite you to challenge that voice so you can experience the healing power of genuineness, patience, and total acceptance.
This is so important because if you did not receive the message that you are deserving of love just as you are, you grew up trying to earn it. And you might still be trying to earn it from partners, bosses, clients, children, friends, and strangers on social media.
A caring witness to your experiences…
Your truth and lived experience will be explored with compassion and curiosity. If it impacts you, it matters. No matter how big and scary or small a memory or experience may seem, I can hold space for it and to respect its influence in your life.
You might be afraid I will pity you because of your past experiences or think you are complaining because you tell yourself that “It really wasn’t that bad.” These are often parts of yourself trying to protect yourself from the pain of rejection and humiliation. I am very familiar with all of these parts! I will honor their feelings while allowing them to have a corrective and healing experience in therapy by never judging them.
A cheerleader who believes in you…
… even when you aren’t ready to believe in yourself.
Because let’s be honest: outward success does not mean you aren’t grappling with insecurity, low self-worth, or fear on the inside
A guide to help you access the clarity and resilience inside you…
We are all unique, which must be respected in a therapeutic setting. And at the same time, when we are struggling and outright suffering, we desperately need a roadmap. I have developed an evidence-backed approach that is structured enough to give you hope and a way forward, but that does not stifle your individuality.
An intentional, integrative methodology…
I take a holistic approach to ensure your mind, body, and spirit receive the attention they deserve.
Do you understand what is happening in your brain and body when you…
Lose your temper and lash out?
Mindlessly eat when you’re not really hungry?
Shutdown in the middle of a conversation?
Avoid uncomfortable conversations even if it means abandoning your own needs?
We have many learned automatic, unconscious responses that ultimately do not serve us. We feel out of control, triggering even more anxiety or shame.
My approach empowers you to no longer feel like a mystery to yourself and takes back your life from unconscious behaviors and thoughts. To achieve these goals, I offer an intentional blend of neuroscience, mindfulness, somatic (body) approaches, and parts-of-the-self awareness.
I deeply respect spirituality’s role in our lives, and I am very comfortable integrating your beliefs into the healing and growing process.
I am a long-time student of Tarot and a strong believer in its ability to guide us back to ourselves. To learn more about Tarot Therapy, click here.
About Me
This is much more than a job to me. It’s my calling.
I have been in your shoes.
Inaccurate diagnoses.
Well-intentioned therapists who didn’t understand the impact of childhood adversity on adult mental health.
Behaviors, especially people-pleasing, that felt impossible to change.
I had completed grad school, but I felt like I had just scratched the surface about how to help my clients and how to help myself…
I poured myself into researching the most cutting-edge treatments for PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation, Codependency (people-pleasing, fear of setting boundaries), anxiety, and chronic shame.
I applied those techniques in my life and found providers who were as up-to-date on treatments as I was to help me.
It worked for me, and my mission is to help others get “unstuck” from their pasts and patterns.
The road I took to get here…
I love to experience everything life offers, and my path to becoming a therapist shows that. I have been a pastry chef, sugar artist, event planner, celebrity handler, published novelist, HIV services case manager, and professional fundraiser.
I learned so much from these roles, but I wanted to help people in a deeper and more impactful way. My fascination with psychology directed me back to school. I earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and certification in Child-Centered Play Therapy from Stetson University.
A turning point…
I am a proud member of the LGBT+ community and advocate for the rights of marginalized people.
When the Pulse nightclub tragedy took place in 2016, my entire Orlando community was shaken to its core. I responded to that hate the only way that made sense – to help – and became an organizer for a large community mental health response involving hundreds of local therapists. I received the Cheryl Laird Leadership & Achievement Award from the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida for my service.
From the ashes of the Pulse massacre, I connected more deeply to my spirituality, intuition, and connection to the Universe.
My greatest lesson…
My partner, Kay, and I have a beautiful little girl named Eden Rose.
Before she was born, we were told that Eden had Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect that would require open-heart surgery for her to live.
We grappled with the fear and uncertainty while a global pandemic swept the country. Now a healthy, thriving child, Eden continues to teach us new lessons every day.
I think of myself as an open book.
The connection I build with clients is precious to me, so I show up to that relationship with authenticity, transparency, and a big heart.
You are not alone.
It makes sense to feel anxious about reaching out for support and starting a new journey.
But you’re here now. Listen to that voice. No matter how soft, it knows small steps in the right direction can bring huge rewards down the road.
You know so much more is possible for your life, and I am here to help.
Take that first step by calling me today: (407) 885-6151.
Let’s work together to shed the limiting core beliefs robbing you of your dreams.
Call me today, and we can explore how I can help you achieve a life you love.