Specialities
Marriage & Couples Counseling
My passion, training and work experience lends me to working with couples in the areas of premarital and marital counseling. I have worked with couples for over 15 years. During that time I have talked to many couples that were confused about the direction their relationship had taken and they believed the relationship was beyond hope. As a therapist, I work with couples to help identify where it went wrong, identify patterns within the relationship and develop a new pattern for a healthier and happier relationship. As part of the process, I start with the use of assessments to assist in identifying strength and growth areas within the marriage. I then work with couples to rebuild/build intimacy, develop more productive communication/conflict resolution, reestablish trust and security and identify a shared sense of purpose and meaning. I also work with sexual issues including infidelity and addictions including internet pornography. It is my honor to be invited into these relationships to explore, educate and work to enhance each relationship I come into contact with.
Training & Skills
- Family Life Educator
- Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Psychologist since 2007
- Trained in Prepare and Enrich
- Trained in Gottman Therapy Level I and II
- Trained in Couples Communication
- Trained in Family Wellness
- Servicing Muskegon, North Muskegon, & Grand Haven
- Trained in EFT
Individual & Group Counseling
After 30 years of working with people who are experiencing a difficult time in their life, I have discovered how valuable it is having someone there to truly listen in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. As important as assisting individuals in understanding they are not alone, is helping them gain insight and working with them to adjust behavior for a lasting change. Through a variety of therapeutic modalities and cognitive-behavioral techniques, I will work with clients in finding relief from their emotional distress and allowing them to move forward with their life. I provide assessment and treatment in several mental health areas including ADHD, anxiety, domestic abuse, self-esteem issues, spirituality, PTSD, sexual abuse, sexual addiction including sexual deviancy and Internet pornography, men’s/women’s issues, and stress.
Assessment & Treatment of Sexual Issues
Since 2004, during my internship, I started working with sexual addictions and deviant sexual behavior. It has become a special interest of mine in assisting others in this very complex area of treatment. I understand that this can be something that seems to have a life of its own and before a person knows it, his or her life becomes out of control. I have worked with many clients, both in a group setting and one-on-one, to assist them in working on identifying areas of risk in sexual deviancy, developing interventions and setting up coping strategies to overcome and gain back control towards healthy sexuality.