Practice Description
I have been a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists for more than twenty years, and have worked with hundreds of couples and families, representing a variety of problems. Many couples/families have problems related to poor communication, built-up resentments, lack of sexual interest, lack of trust, financial difficultes, entrenched negative patterns that have evolved over time, spiritual issues, substance abuse & addiction issues, domestic violence, step-parenting, in-laws, emotional/physical affairs, mental illness or physical illness, loss or bereavement. I have had experience in each of these arenas. I work with couples and families going through life transitions, some expected such as children leaving home, some unexpected such as a job loss or a death. I have been on staff of a psychiatric hospital, two medical hospitals, and on a military base, giving me a wide range of experience in understanding the circumstances of clients. I have been in private practice for the last fifteen years. Additionally I am an Adjunct Faculty member at a graduate school where I teach Marrige and Family courses to graduate level psychology and counseling students. I am licensed both as a Registered Nurse and as a Psychologist. My Masters degree is a Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Auburn University which was one of the first graduate schools specifically for marrige and family therapy in the United States.
The decision to seek a therapist is a difficult and an important one. It is important to find a therapist who is well-trained and has experience in your problem concern. It is also important that you feel comfortable with this person and trust them to work with you ethically and with compassion and concern. It is always a good idea to get a referral from a reliable source such as a friend, physician, or professional organization. It is also a good idea to interview several therapists before making a decision.