1. How would you define counseling?
I believe counseling provides an opportunity for individuals to explore their feelings in a safe environment allowing them to gain insight and understanding into the nature of their struggles. I strive to create a safe place with tools and knowledge for my clients to utilize for their personal healing and growth.
2. What do you look forward to most in your work with clients?
I believe my clients can become empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. When they begin to realize the strength within themselves, they shift their perspective to a more healthy and balanced way of living their lives. Witnessing this shift is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
3. How did you get into Equine Therapy and how does that inform your work with clients?
I became familiar with horses when I was young and was introduced to Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at a conference early in my graduate education. Natural Lifemanship is the original Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and emphasizes the importance of relationships with ourselves and others to bring about healing and growth.
4. What have horses taught you?
The horses have taught me to show up. In order to understand the work which occurs with horses, we must be willing to lean into our discomfort and be present even when it is difficult. The horse is a prey animal, and we are natural predators. While this relationship can cause stress for the horse and the human it can also bring about significant insight into the nature of our relationships.
5. Where were you before you came into counseling, and what prompted the switch?
I am the mother of four adult children and pursued my graduate degree later in life. I believe we all search for answers which are not always evident and require some intervention. I expected to focus my work with adolescents due to the challenges faced by this population and have since found meaning in trauma informed care for all ages.
6. Do you have a favorite quote and why?
“Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi
I believe we each have a responsibility to look inward and ask ourselves what we can do to make a difference. It is always easier to find fault in others while not recognizing our own responsibility to show up and be present. We all must be accountable for change.
7. What are some lessons you’ve learned from the people you’ve counseled over the last 21 years?
Vulnerability looks different for different people Determination is as important as information Laugh at and with yourself Never give up Love, love, love
8. What can we find you doing in your free time?
Working with horses, hanging out with family, loving on my rescue pups, reading and listening to music
Comentários