Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist, Clinical Assistant Professor
Education
PhD, Counselor Education, University of Florida
Professional Interests
The opportunity to connect with people from a variety of life experiences (e.g., ability, race, sexual orientation, gender, faith, nationality, health, age, size, socioeconomic experience) inspires me. I offer creative and embodied ways of coping with and responding to relationship concerns, trauma, grief/bereavement, adjustment, and stress. Working with couples also is energizing. I feel at home co-facilitating groups and am humbled by the power of how peers can support, empower, and learn from one another.
Approach to Therapy
Sessions are typically experiential, with opportunities for intentional breathing, sandtray, therapeutic music, writing, metaphors, guided imagery, coloring, drawing, collage, poetry, meditation, etc. My approach is collaborative, contextual, trauma-responsive, and celebrating of collective and individual identities. I bring curiosity, intergenerational compassion, cultural humility, and action to intra and interpersonal conflicts. My theoretical orientation is Relational Cultural, with specialized training in Somatic Experiencing (SE) Trauma Resolution, Gestalt, Narrative, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Approach to Supervision
Some common topics of supervision may include: creative problem-solving, power dynamics, parallel processes, countertransference, sharing interventions, balancing professionalism and authenticity, individual and systemic experiences. Supervision is enjoyable, growth fostering, and collaborative with practicum and internship students, and with interns registered to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. My approach is strengths-based and culturally sensitive related to the supervisee, their clients, and the surrounding environments.
Approach to Wellness
Daily mindfulness practices help me get in touch with intuitive wisdom. My connections with beloved family and friends are vital to my holistic health. I also value time at the gym, sauna, walks in nature, and swimming. I love deep conversations and the infinite potential for creativity. My wellness practices also include photography, intentionally returning to the present moment, embodied experiences, campfires, and a wide spectrum of music.
Other Activities
Being involved with the UF Center for Spirituality and Health and the International Scholars program is important to my heart. Facilitating trainings (e.g., multicultural mindfulness) feels aligned with my life’s purpose. Similarly, so does guiding ceremonies for significant life milestones (e.g., wedding, pregnancy, new job, moving, funeral). Furthermore, providing Creativity and Connection groups at the PACE Center for Girls is deeply fulfilling.