I knew I wanted to be a psychologist before I even knew the word. Friends & siblings frequently came to me when they needed help with a problem or a solution. I was lucky when it came time to choose a major in college because I knew just where I wanted to focus. Psychology has been a dominant part of my life ever since.

As a clinical psychologist, I have worked in varied settings with different people throughout my career from being a MH Director on an Indian reservation to a community college teacher. These roles gave me insight into the needs & priorities of differing groups of people. I’ve brought this experience together & incorporate it all into my private practice. I work with children & adults to manage their fears, to face their strengths & weaknesses, & to make plans to implement change in their lives. We can’t always control the world around us, but we can change the ways we manage it.

Life is a gift; each experience is unique. Sometimes we are more accepting of those like us. It can be easier to relate to them. We may even pressure others to become like us. But, this is not the only way. The recognition that we are all diverse opens doors to acceptance & the possibility of common ground. Each of us responds to the same experience in different ways. This realization helps broaden our understanding & strengthen our relationships. This philosophy guides my work with families & couples.

Learning to accept differences can also empower individuals to be more comfortable with themselves. We don’t have to be like everyone else. It is not only OK, but even desirable to learn about who we really are vs. who others want us to be. Even so, we all have room for improvement. Therapy can help us discover how. Each client I work with is a unique individual with whom the therapeutic relationship between us becomes a powerful agent of change. The recognition that each of us is the captain of our ship is both a treasure & a responsibility.

Join me in this challenge!