Mended Life Counseling
EMDR and Trauma Informed Therapy
Being a human is hard. Really hard. Now more than ever, our lives are filled with uncertainty. No one can give you the answers in a neat package, but the one thing I hold to be certain is this - we cannot do it alone.
The ancient art of Kintsugi encourages us to mend what is valuable, put our pieces back together, and in doing so, we make the vessel more valuable than it was before it shattered. Because the effort, love, and relationships that bind us back together are truly that which make life worth living.
“Your cracks can become the most beautiful part of you.”
Dallas Gipson, MS LPC
When I began my career as a therapist, I actually felt a little lost. How could someone like me, with her own problems, fears and anxieties actually help others to meet their goals? What I quickly learned was that empathy, relationship and genuine human connection are the most important factors of all. Along the way, I have been able to receive training in attachment work, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused CBT, and become certified in EMDR. I have worked with hundreds of individuals over the years and I still believe that relationships and connection are the key to just about everything we need in life.
As an adopted individual myself, I am passionate about working with adopted people, families experiencing adoption, and adults who have struggled with attachment issues in their relationships. Over the years I have worked with teens and preteens with Reactive Attachment Disorder, I have helped individuals with disabilities find meaningful and fulfilling work as a Vocational Rehabilitation therapist, helped trans individuals navigate the world of dating, hormonal and surgical transition, and to love their own bodies. I truly believe that we all deserve a life with meaningful and fulfilling relationships, both with others and with ourselves.
If you are struggling with the impact that trauma has had in your life, it can feel at times like you’re 100% certain you’ll never be happy or fulfilled. I have felt that way before too. Luckily, I had support from those around me and a great therapist that helped me to realize I was wrong about that, and I did deserve good things. If that’s something that resonates with you, please reach out and let’s talk about how we might be able to work together.
Specialties
PTSD
Adoption and Attachment
Grief and Loss
Childhood Trauma
Self Criticism
Perfectionism
Kink/Poly affirming
LGBTQIA+ ally
Gender Affirming Care Letters
Boundary Setting and Safe Communication
Conflict Navigation
Healing from Abusive Relationships
Since graduating with my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2008, I can say I have done a little of everything! I have been a career focused Vocational Rehab Counselor, a Drug Court Instructor, I have worked with kids, families, and individuals from truly all walks of life. I use a mix of modalities in my practice, because no one approach is one size fits all.
I am certified in EMDR since 2020, and have received training in Brainspotting, Somatic Experience, Internal Family Systems, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as a diverse background of mindfulness, breath work, and grounding techniques.