My Story: Finding Light in Anxiety
Although I never knew it at the time, I was an anxious child. I first learned about the concept of anxiety when I was engaged to be married at the age of 26. I experienced anxieties so intense that I couldn’t sleep, eat, or enjoy almost anything. My mind would not shut off.
I kept thinking, “This can’t be right. This is supposed to be the best time of my life.”
My sister-in-law, a counselor, became a lifeline, starting my journey in understanding mental health. Because of her support and guidance, I was able to get married and enjoy my wedding day without needing medication.
I learned firsthand that my fears can be so intense and confusing that they can become overpowering, keeping me stuck in what I call “prevention and protection.” In trying to control “bad things from happening,” I found a powerful, though temporary, relief—but never fulfillment. This struggle to control is what ACT addresses.
I am humbled to say I am grateful for that time in my life. That experience propelled me towards a journey of awareness and a stronger mental health foundation. Getting married was one of the best decisions of my life; I have been married for 25 years and have four children.
My Specialty: Treating Anxiety and OCD
My passion is treating Anxiety and OCD. Having spent thousands of hours helping hundreds of clients, I’ve seen how these conditions can subtly and profoundly affect every part of life.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the same; it can manifest as chronic irritability, perfectionism, low self-worth, and mood swings. I am extensively trained and deeply experienced in this area, and I bring a unique level of empathy to my work because I have navigated these challenges in my own life.
I work effectively with a wide age range, including adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Counseling Philosophy: Finding the “Nothing”
There is no secret sauce to life! As Po, the Dragon Warrior, learned in Kung Fu Panda, the secret ingredient to his father’s famous soup was “nothing”—explaining that things become special if they are believed to be.
Much of our journey to live a beautiful life is found in the process of learning and relearning. I believe that gaining insight into your own mental health and acquiring skills for emotional regulation and awareness is one of the most important stops on your personal path. Mood skills are just as vital as math skills, and I can guide you in acquiring them. I know I won’t be the last stop on your journey, but I can help you along your way.
Core Approach: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Although I am trained in several modalities of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I primarily utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
ACT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people create a meaningful life while accepting the pain and discomfort that comes with it. The core philosophy of ACT is that suffering is an inherent part of the human experience. Trying to eliminate this pain often makes it worse because we waste our energy fighting what we cannot control.
Instead of battling difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to cultivate psychological flexibility. This helps us stop chasing a life lived on “perpetual easy street” or what I often call “chasing a unicorn.” Chasing a unicorn—the elusive idea of a life free from pain—is a discouraging business.
ACT focuses on six core processes that help us turn toward what truly matters to us instead of running away from what we fear. These processes teach practical skills for living a full life, even when it’s challenging.
- The central idea of ACT isn’t to get rid of negative feelings, but to develop the skills to handle them effectively so they don’t prevent you from living a rich and fulfilling life.
- The ultimate aim is to create a sense of vitality and purpose by aligning your actions with your values, even in the presence of internal pain.