ABOUT ME

I earned my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Texas Woman’s University in 1995 which included a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Texas at Galveston (1994-1995). My post-doctoral residency was completed at North East Independent School District (NEISD), where I continued employment as a psychologist until 2000. I began my independent practice in psychology in 1997, working at it part-time until I made the jump to a full-time practice in 2000. My undergraduate degree was in music therapy which fuels my interest in using creativity in the therapeutic process.

My graduate training program emphasized the Family Systems Model of therapy, viewing individuals as a functioning part of a greater system within their families- of-origin, their families-by-marriage or partnership, their communities, and cultural, ethnic, and faith communities. The roles we play within these systems may be healthy or toxic so that part of our healing may involve addressing who we are in these contexts. In addition to the temperament and other genetic loading with which we are born, we are influenced by these many factors. They all have an important part to play in who we have become, and habits we may have formed. By looking at all these influences, we have many ways to learn and grow and change. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, some focused more on developing insight about the reasons and history of symptoms, some focused more on education, and others focus more on teaching behavioral techniques for controlling or reducing problematic behaviors.

My practice includes children, youth, and adults. I work with all ages and enjoy a good rapport with most people. I have a special interest in grief, loss, and adjustment to major life challenges. In that regard, I serve on the Advisory Board to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, am on the Speaker’s Bureau for Porter Loring Mortuary, and am a volunteer Life After Loss support group facilitator for the American Cancer Society. During my training in Galveston, I worked on the burn units at John Sealy Hospital with adults, and at Shriners Burns Hospital for Children. I am on the allied health medical staff of Methodist Children’s Hospital of South Texas where I have worked with children with brain tumors, leukemia, end-stage renal disease, and obesity. I see individuals in my practice with disabilities and those without. I evaluate patients who are candidates to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery, and offer follow-up counseling on lifestyle adjustment and weight loss. I offer educational and psychological evaluations in addition to psychotherapy

My personal life includes a husband, three children, and three dogs in the immediate vicinity; six siblings and their families further away, and a mother and mother-in-law. Therefore my experience with family dynamics is rich and informative. When I'm not doing laundry, I enjoy reading, cooking, and playing the piano. As a family we enjoy children's sports events, playing, and sailing on Canyon Lake. We are active members of First Presbyterian Church. If your spiritual life is important to you, then it is important to me and can be used as a resource in your therapy.

As a volunteer, I am nationally certified with the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA), and serve on the Alamo City NOVA Team. I am also trained as a volunteer with the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) program through the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management.

If you have any questions of me, please feel free to ask!

For Licensing and Credentials, here is my Curriculum Vitae (CV) (pdf)