ABOUT I received my Masters in Marriage and Family
Therapy from St. Mary's University in Minnesota. I have pursued many interest areas over the course of my life, from fine arts to grassroots legislation, always with a fascination in how we as humans become who we really are, while connecting and supporting each other. My work is also informed by being the mother of four teenager sons and from growing up in a very large Minnesota family. I
truly enjoy working collaboratively with clients to develop healthy
strategies to deal with life's challenges.
Issues I most enjoy working with are:
Relationship with spouse or partner
Birthing concerns and adjustment to motherhood or parenting
Relationships with family members
Parenting and family transitions: new parents, growing teens, blended families and launching young adults
My Approach Positive relationships offer a buffer against the effects of stress and uncertainty. A sense of connection with a loved one is an inbuilt emotional regulation device primary protection against feelings of helplessness and meaninglessness. Research has shown that secure relationships are vital components of mental and physical health. Attachment theory informs us how to foster the creation of a secure bond between partners and family members that is the key to developing fully and authentically. Counseling has the power to establish and re-create supportive bonds among individuals.
While I will use a variety of methods; systemic, structural and cognitive, the foundation of my way of thinking about human interactions
is drawn from Attachment Theory. In that all humans have a
powerful innate need to be connected and attached to other human
beings, not only in childhood, but throughout the life cycle. In fact
it is becoming more and more apparent that we are at our best pyhsically and mentally when we have secure loving emotional bonds with others. In other words we are better able to reach our potential and withstand
the trials of life when we have a secure base and safe haven to return
to at the end of the day.
"Suffering is inevitable, but suffering alone is intolerable."
Susan Johnson, PhD - developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy
Unproductive cycles often develop in our most important relationships. An unproductive or negative cycle leads to feelings of shame and inadequacy, as well as fears about ones own loveableness and worth, which then makes it harder to share with others. The result is that loved ones feel rejected and pull away, perpetuating the cycle. Clients learn how to identify this cycle in relationships, reduce anger and blame, and learn different ways to respond that encourage supportive connections.
Secure relationship bonds come from a healthy emotional engagement with others. When there are difficult issues, people have difficulty communicating honestly. I help my clients identify what they need, and communicate those needs directly and truthfully. When relationships offer a sense of security, individuals are better able to; o reach out to and provide support for others o receive and accept support from others o deal with conflict and stress positively
What is Marriage and Family Therapy? Marriage and family therapists (commonly referred to as MFTs or family
therapists) are trained and licensed to independently diagnose and
treat mental health and substance abuse problems. Marriage and family
therapy is one of the core mental health disciplines and is based on
the research and theory that mental illness and family problems are
best treated in a family context. Trained in psychotherapy and family
systems, marriage and family therapists focus on understanding their
clients symptoms and interaction patterns within their existing
environment. MFTs treat predominantly individuals, but also provide
couples, family and group therapy. Whomever the client, Family
Therapists treat from a relationship perspective that incorporates
family systems. Studies demonstrate that family therapy is a preferred
method of treatment for depression, substance abuse, alcoholism,
marital problems, child problems, couple enrichment, and schizophrenia,
to name a few.
Additional workshops, training and seminars attended include: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: Basic Externship with Brent Bradley, PhD. and Jim Furrow, PhD. Attachment in Psychotherapy, with David Wallin, PhD. Emotionally Focused Therapy: Healing Broken Bonds, with Sue Johnson, PhD. What Children Want Parents to Know About Divorce and Remarriage, with Constance Ahrons, PhD. Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota. Teaching Parents to Help Their Children Heal: An Experiential Approach to Filial Therapy, with Shawn Bulgatz, MA, LMFT. Assessing Trauma in Children, with Abigail Gewitz, PhD., LP. University of Minnesota and MN Department of Health. Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Training web-based learning, certification. Provided by the Medical University of South Carolina. Treating the Traumatic Impact of Domestic Violence, with Mike Poindexter, MS, LMFT and Schuyler Seager, MA. Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Youth. MN Youth Work Institute.
