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My Background...
 Since an early age, I have been immersed in the creative
processes of visual art and writing, and I have been dedicated to
self-discovery and authentic communication throughout my life. I
received my Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from Virginia
Tech, with a minor in Gender Studies. After spending over six years in the corporate world, I decided to follow my heart's calling to pursue a vocation in the healing arts.
I moved to Boulder, Colorado, where I attended an
intensive and experiential three year graduate program. I received my
Master's Degree from Naropa University in
Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a
concentration in Art Therapy.
While in Colorado, I continued to
develop my long-standing interest in energetic healing practices and the
chakra system. Studying under the Usui tradition and lineage, I became a
Master-level Reiki practitioner. I wrote my master's paper on the
integration of energy work with art psychotherapy, and I continue to
research such themes today. In Richmond, I see clients at Turning Point Counseling,
as I am working toward becoming a Licensed Professional
Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia and a Nationally Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist
(ATR-BC).
My counseling background includes working with
adults, elders, adolescents, and children in a wide range of therapeutic
venues. These settings include a counseling center at a large state
university, a day-treatment facility, an assisted-living establishment,
youth services centers, community arts studios, children's art programs,
and grade schools. I am extensively trained in art therapy,
multicultural and diversity issues, energetic counseling, and
mindfulness meditation.
Through these experiences, I have
offered guidance and support for many emotional challenges. I am
comfortable with such therapeutic issues as personal growth, spiritual development, life transitions,
stress reduction & alleviating burnout, women's issues, challenges facing college and graduate students, empowerment & self-esteem, body image, deepening relationships, anxiety,
depression, grief and loss, trauma, removing creative blocks, and identity formation (sexual
orientation, multicultural issues, individuation from/integration with family of origin,
etc.)
Using the holistic approach of transpersonal
psychotherapy, I aim to support my clients physically, mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually. In my practice, I employ such methods as
art therapy, guided visualization, dream exploration, mindfulness
meditation, energetic counseling, Reiki, body-centered approaches, and
Gestalt and Jungian practices. I am committed using verbal, artistic, and
energetic modalities to create a therapeutic atmosphere that uniquely
supports each individual's healing journey.
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