What kind of therapist am I?

I’m an experienced therapist but more importantly I genuinely care about my clients. If you are a client in my practice I will act responsibly and ethically to provide you with the best care possible. Have you ever been to a therapist that you didn’t click with and ended up leaving? Part of my job is to recognize and acknowledge when there is not a good connection, therapy is based on a good relationship or fit between the client and therapist.

I have 30 years of experience in the counseling field. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Charleston, SC (LMFT #3378). My educational background includes earning both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at California State University, Fullerton. I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Counseling and pursued a dual concentration for my Master’s degree, specializing in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, as well as School Counseling.

My mentors include some of the most esteemed figures in the field, with many of them being prominent authors of counseling textbooks. The solid foundation of my training has molded me into a qualified and proficient therapist.

My career has been multi-faceted. I have served as a private practitioner and school counselor which has provided me with insights into education, child development, the challenges of parenthood, and how families navigate mental health during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Marriage and adult attachment relationships are a primary interest.

I have taught and counseled at the community college and university levels, working with young adults and parents on academic requirements, career aspirations, and mental health concerns. At the graduate level, I taught fundamental counseling skills.

In my personal life, I have been married for over 30 years. We are proud parents of five grown children, aged 20 to 30, all of whom are remarkable individuals. My admiration for them extends beyond their accomplishments to their inherent kindness and respect for others.

My life experiences have greatly influenced my work as a therapist. I understand the complexities of committed relationships and parenthood, the nuances of life’s various stages, and the significance of embracing the present moment, as time seems to pass quickly.

On a personal note, I experienced the loss of a loved one during the AIDS epidemic in the 90s. This profoundly affected me and inspired my commitment to being an ally for individuals who identify as LGBTQ. I continue to offer mental health services to this community in my practice.