As I grew up, my dream was to play music professionally. All of my sights were set on bringing this dream to fruition, when, at age 20, I was stopped in my tracks by excruciating wrist pain which eventually forced me to stop playing music altogether for a time.

This was a period of tremendous anguish, unrest, and at times hopelessness for me, especially because every doctor and medical professional I visited was unable to help me. After a long bout of depression, I vowed to find a way out of my pain, and began a period of deep introspection, ultimately leading to a discovery that my pain was largely psychosomatic in nature.

Intensive research of psychosomatic modalities brought me to the Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing® trauma work, Mindful Self-Compassion, and most recently Internal Family Systems, all which profoundly changed my life.

Engaging in these therapies led me to understanding that my pain was largely caused by past traumas and emotional blocks including personal insecurity, fear, a low sense of self worth, and perfectionism.

I was fascinated by the connections I was making, and as my pain diminished completely, and my overall physical, mental, and emotional states changed dramatically for the better, a new calling arose within me to help others work through the challenges in their own lives. I studied to become a counselor and trained in working with others using each of the modalities that helped me so much.

Since then, the tools I’ve gathered along my journey have served me over and over again as new waves of challenge, anxiety, depression, and trauma have come and gone in my life. I find that my own work through the challenges of my life serves my ability to help clients, and that getting to be a part of their process also supports my own journey. It is a beautiful symbiotic relationship that I am deeply grateful for.

What I once thought was the biggest curse in my life - developing debilitating chronic pain - has now turned into a beautiful blessing. The work I do as a counselor is deeply meaningful to me, and if you are curious about working together, I welcome the opportunity to connect with you further.

Credentials

I am a licensed mental health counselor in North Carolina. I hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and world religions and a masters degree in counseling. I have also completed trainings in Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing® trauma work, Mindful Self-Compassion, and the Alexander Technique.

Along with my private work, I currently facilitate groups for the non-profit organization SeekHealing (www.seekhealing.org) whose mission is to inspire healthy human connections to help people heal from addiction, trauma, systemic shame, and loneliness. I have also facilitated SeekHealing’s Listening Training specifically for other mental health professionals aimed at helping them to deepen their abilities to be there for their clients.

In addition to counseling, I have been playing guitar for over 20 years (gratefully pain-free again!) and teaching music for over a decade. I have also taught classes in meditation and mindfulness skills to people of all ages.