The quote above was one that I put on my bedroom wall when I was in the midst of depression, food addiction, and probably a pretty similar list of demons you feel surrounded by yourself. The quote gave me hope that one day, I could find a way through. And here I am, as proof it’s true. Now the quote in my bedroom, is “I love the person I’ve become, because I fought like hell to become her.”
From a young age, I realized I loved to help people through their tough times. Little did I know, I’d have to go through my own pains before I’d ever be ready. Once I got through it all, I was overwhelmed with a feeling that made me want to then become a Therapist, to be able to guide people – and somehow save a lot of the pain I went through.
I’m a California native, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and went to college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. After graduating, I worked in the corporate real estate development sector for a fortune 500 company in San Francisco. My ambition paid off and I was quickly promoted into a management role. But while my life looked put together from the outside, was crumbling on the inside. I was your typical overachiever, without balance, and a life that was gradually being compromised into a place I never intended to go. I fought a tough battle with the help of many around me to find the way back to myself. It was during this time when it became evident that things needed to change.
Out of seemingly nowhere, I got a unique opportunity that tugged on my heart strings, and I decided to step out and follow my heart. I left my job, and moved to Uganda, to work in a home with girls and women who had gone through extreme trauma, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Although extremely challenging, the reward of seeing the lives of these women and girls change and flourish far outweighed anything else. This experience strengthened my decision to devote my career to becoming a therapist. I came back from Africa and enrolled in the University of San Francisco to get my Masters in Counseling Psychology.
Working with people to spring them free from some of the same traps I’ve found myself in, is truly a joy in my life. Outside of my practice, I enjoy Yoga, meditation, clean eating, exercise (outdoors is my favorite), and I always seem to have a podcast going. I moved to Louisville in early 2016, and can’t believe how kind the people are. While I’m still exploring around town, I’m quickly coming to really enjoy the lifestyle here.
So here we are. What’s it going to be like? Well, first thing is that we breathe, get settled, and relax. We get to know each other’s peculiarities that make you – well – you. And then, there’s always a point where we both just know, it’s time to dig in and start the work of embracing the glorious mess that we are.” Sometimes that means re-processing the moments that shaped us with the help of a fresh perspective. Sometimes there are false beliefs that are holding us back that need to be cut out, and replaced with the good stuff. We’ll create a plan – and set you up with the tools to succeed, and start getting those small affirmations that you’re on the right road. In the end, when we look back and see how far we’ve come, I have a feeling you’ll share that feeling that I have – that it was all worth it.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in Private Practice in Louisville, Kentucky. I am also a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in the state of California and am available for video/phone sessions for California residents.