I survived an abusive childhood that my mother and sister unfortunately did not.  And it was my grief and desire to become stronger than my past that led me to counseling. A process that clearly changed my life.

My husband and I married in 2000 with his twins and my son (from former marriages) at our sides. A year later we adopted my niece when my sister passed away  –  His, Hers & Ours.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and learned the importance of family, friends, a good attitude and how unimportant hair is.

So there you have it…. abuse, death, divorce, blended family, adoption and cancer, just to name a few of life’s lessons that I didn’t value at the time but have grown to appreciate.

Clearly,  I do not adhere to the traditional rules of counseling that discourage self-disclosure, humor or an occasional hug. I’m human just like you. I want you to “feel like you are talking to a neutral friend that you have hired to act in your best interest”.

I think my professional and personal experience contribute to my straight-forward approach which allows for a more direct route to answers and self-discovery.