Background:

Since 2001, I have worked in residential, therapeutic day (alternative) school, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings as a counselor or teacher. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults recover from (or cope with) substance abuse/dependence, disabilities, family of origin issues, relationship conflict, low self-esteem, life transitions, and general mental health disorders (see anxiety & depression tools).

 I also help individuals move toward positive relationships, stress relief, joy for life, inner peace, self-confidence (see empowering women) and healthy coping skills. Additionally, I support others in connecting with their true nature; inherent goodness, wisdom, strengths and passions in order to discover and follow their "path". I find it most rewarding to help others remove obstacles in their lives in order to share their gifts with the world.

I have provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy sessions. Additionally, I have facilitated multi-family therapy and parent support groups and believe that greater change is possible when an entire family system is willing to engage in counseling. I have 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and parents as a counselor, special education teacher, and outdoor adventure facilitator. In the past two years, however, I have focused my work on adult clients in residential and outpatient settings and have found adult clients to be highly rewarding. I also recently taught yoga to clients to allow them to access the benefits of this mind-body approach to healing. (See "Other Training")

Education:

Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling: Oakton Community College - IL

Master of Social Work (MSW): Loyola University- Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Science Special Education: University of Wisconsin- Madison

CO Licenses/Certifications:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #1434

Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC III) #7085

Special Education (Teacher) Generalist K-12

• You can verify my credentials at Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies or Department of Education

Other Training:

Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) on 6/13/10 (Axis Yoga Trainings in Denver)- comprehensive program included asana (poses), shat-karma (purification), anatomy, pranayama (breath work), meditation, and philosophy. My research covered the benefits of yoga for depression, anxiety, and addiction.

- See Yoga link for private, small group, & large group instruction & pricing.

~ According to "Heal Life's Trauma's" in Yoga Journal June 2007, yoga can relieve anger, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Yoga can also alleviate insomnia, chronic pain, and increase overall peace of mind and physical health.