About
I have roots in Broken Arrow and am an alumna of both the University of Oklahoma and Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX.
My educational background includes a Master's degree in Counseling and Marriage Therapy from Texas Woman's University, supplemented by extensive continuing education and training in various therapeutic approaches. I have specialized expertise in Gottman relationship coaching, life coaching, polyvagal therapy, image-based projective techniques building off expressive art techniques and journal work, neuropsychology, breathwork, health coaching, yoga/kundalini, meditation, trauma treatment, and EFT tapping. I study Internal Family Systems with various trainings and have done my own IFS work! (and continue to do so). Currently, I am getting training in sex therapy for intimacy enrichment and connection.
I am a certified yoga instructor (200-hour level), mindfulness coach, and Trauma-Informed Certified Teacher for Overcome! Anxiety by Sundra Institute. Furthermore, I hold national certification as a health coach by NBH-HWC, which maintains the highest standards for health coaches.
My family and I relocated from Dallas, TX, to Tulsa to be closer to our large extended family. We also live part-time in Montana as we have family there as well. I have been married for 25 years, and we have three children, ages 22, 19, and 10. To share a bit about myself as a person outside of my role as a therapist: I am a homeschooling mom who loves hiking and nature. I love to learn about health, nutrition, and diverse cultures. I am also interested in exploring psychospiritual concepts, writing, energy work, archetypal patterns, and oracle cards for personal growth. My family and I enjoy RV camping and traveling. Additionally, I have a public counseling Facebook page where I share my personal experiences and insights.
My area of expertise is helping individuals and couples live a conscious, authentically centered life guided by their OWN inner wisdom. I have invested extensive personal work to develop my skills, which benefits my clients directly. I have firsthand experience with anxiety, body image and low self-esteem, and I have learned to embrace my thoughts and feelings through various methods such as counseling, meditations, spiritual retreats, and personal development. I have developed a kinder, gentler, and more balanced relationship with myself and others by cultivating a deeper understanding of myself. I hope that being transparent allows others the same freedom!
Anxiety is a natural part of living, and it is impossible to live without experiencing it. However, learning how to manage anxiety by riding the waves safely to shore is possible. Each person has a unique way of managing anxiety, and it involves cultivating compassion for themselves and others. It is a journey of self-acceptance to learn how to love ourselves amidst chaos. Life is an ongoing process, and we all face our struggles, which makes our humanity more relatable.
Important Notes:
While I enjoy contemplating broad Eastern and Western philosophical and spiritual concepts, I do not condone spiritual bypassing or any form of partiality, such as using spiritual practices to avoid unresolved emotional issues, neglecting scientific evidence-based practices, or toxic positivity, which can hinder psychological growth. My psychological approach is based on scientific evidence, and I hold high esteem for one's chosen spiritual or religious beliefs.
While I don't adhere to any specific religion, I can incorporate transpersonal "spiritual" psychology elements for those interested. This approach focuses on personal development beyond just the individual self, encouraging you to explore the deeper, universal aspects of your identity and the essence of being human. I recognize the detrimental effects of religious trauma, which can leave individuals feeling unworthy, ashamed, fearful, and guilty, affecting their mental health and well-being. Please let me know if you're inclined towards a "spiritual" but non-religious perspective, and we can delve into that conversation.
I provide a non-judgmental and welcoming space for members of the LGBTQ community, and I am a sex-positive practitioner. I am open-minded to differences and neurodivergent awareness. Additionally, I am sensitive to the injustices that people of color encounter in our society. Our well-being is profoundly affected by the world around us, and various factors such as our family of origin, present family, society, culture, sexual orientation, and gender contribute to our identity and how we interact with the world.
I focus on a preventive enrichment approach to couples.
A note about couples therapy: having been in a relationship for 25 years, I understand how challenging and rewarding a relationship can be. I also recognize that relationships can come to a healthy end, and it is essential to acknowledge this fact. It is crucial to recognize that not every relationship can be mended, nor should it be. However, it is necessary to comprehend the dynamics of the relationship, recognize one's role in it, reflect on what one can offer and require in the future, and understand the key ingredients of successful relationships. These insights are invaluable for navigating future relationships.
I have learned that being open to examining one's emotional patterns is crucial for creating lasting change. Curiosity about yourself and your reactions is essential to developing a mindful self-awareness that allows you to examine your reactions in relation to others. Change happens when couples focus on working on their own "shadows" vs. focusing on how their partner needs to change. Couples therapy provides a significant opportunity for personal growth, requiring us to examine our contribution to relationship issues. By being open to exploring our role in the problems, one can gain insights that lead to personal growth and improved relationships.
Individuals must cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion to foster healthy communication in couples therapy. This involves being curious about one's own reactions with others rather than solely focusing on fixing the other person. While it may be challenging to pause and reflect on one's emotions in the moment, it can lead to increased authenticity and effective communication. However, it is essential to note that the relationship must be free of emotional abuse, significant addictions, or a partner with a narcissistic personality to ensure a safe and equal environment.
I have shifted to preventive couples work, and I love it!!! Often, couples opt for therapy as a last-ditch effort before divorce, having already reached a point of emotional exhaustion, anger, and disconnection from one another. In some cases, they may be in an unsafe relationship. In such situations, it can be difficult for one or both partners to be invested in working on the issues they bring to therapy. Consequently, couples counseling may sometimes be counterproductive and even painful. It is, therefore, crucial to consider these factors before engaging a couples counselor.
Witnessing couples committed to improving their relationship and seeing positive results is gratifying. While the work involved can be challenging, the payoff is truly worth it. In fact, I have found that relationship counseling often leads to greater individual growth than traditional individual counseling, provided that the couple is truly ready and willing to put in the effort. :-)
To schedule a session or a free 15-minute meet and greet, email me at info@inwardwellbeing.com
