My Approach

How I Work

Throughout years of personal healing and growth, decades in corporate America and almost 10 years in a private therapy and coaching practice, I’ve learned that we can have all the insight and ideas in the world, but it’s only by taking action—real, thoughtful action—that we create change. We must be willing to ACT, rather than just imagine or talk about healing, growth or success, in order for anything in our lives to really grow and change. Over these years, I’ve also learned that while pain and challenges are inevitable, suffering is an option. I know both personally and professionally that it is possible to define your own idea of happiness and what makes for a meaningful life and take actionable steps to get there. I also know that we all sometimes need a little help along the way.

Sessions with me are safe, warm, practical, light-hearted, action-oriented and oftentimes fun and entertaining. I think that kindness is one of the most important parts of any relationship, and I will thoughtfully meet you where you are in your life and journey with you to the places you’d like to go. I believe that inner peace is the doorway to happiness. Happiness is the most basic intent of every sentient being and that happiness and peace looks different for each of us. Insomuch, I’ll seldom tell you what you should do, and I’ll never tell you how to feel or be. Rather, I offer compassionate support, practical guidance, professional wisdom and an open heart and mind as we engage in the work needed for you to tap into your happiest, most whole and authentic self.

The cornerstone approach of both my therapy and coaching practices is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT can work for anyone with any issue, background or philosophy about life. Essentially, ACT can help you get in touch with your values and identify what is important to you personally, professionally and in the world around you. Using ACT, I help clients look deeply into certain behaviors to see how these behaviors and related thoughts are helping or hindering their ability to live the life they want to be living. Through this process, you can become more aware of yourself, both internally and externally, and how you interact in the world. An increased awareness can facilitate improved self-compassion and help you make choices that are in alignment with your values and goals. This highly effective, evidence-based model also lends itself well to working with other proven modalities, including Mindfulness, EMDR and DBT, which I can also incorporate into sessions.

I see us all as unique, dynamic beings with gifts and histories that inform how we live today and will live tomorrow. I take a highly collaborative approach to therapy and coaching and do a lot of experiential work in sessions. I view the therapeutic and coaching relationship as one based in accountability, trust and responsibility, and give my clients 100 percent of my energy and attention in the present moment. While I may be an expert on how to enact change and create growth, you are the expert on you. I value kindness, commitment and respect and work to maintain a balance between compassion and pragmatism. Although I can sometimes be directive and will impart advice, opinions and wisdom, what you do with what I offer is completely up to you. I also know that we each have different hardships and aspirations, which is why I’ll tailor create a therapy/coaching strategy that best addresses and supports your unique personality, values, history, schedule, needs and goals. Together, we’ll draw from a variety of evidence-based, proven techniques and figure out what tools and strategies work best for you. We’ll also collaboratively define and develop the short-term goals that can help you gain hope and clarity as well as long-term goals and the life skills that you can draw from on an ongoing basis.

Regardless if you’re struggling, feeling stuck or want to take your life to a higher level, I know as a licensed, experienced therapist and a board certified coach, the healing power of therapy and the efficacy of coaching in meeting personal, relational and business goals. With support, guidance, a solid approach tailored to your needs and a willingness to self explore, you can become liberated from your history. It is possible to critically examine and address problems, achieve both small and large goals and move into a way of being that is in alignment with your true self.

If you’re in the Denver, CO or Lakewood, CO area and considering therapy, coaching or both, I invite you to call me at 720-260-7702 to schedule a free 20-minute call. I’m happy to discuss your particular needs and goals and answer any questions you have about acceptance and commitment therapy and my therapy and/or coaching practice. I also offer phone and online coaching sessions so you can meet with me from the comfort and convenience of your home or office or from anywhere in the world.

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