Why Outdoors?
Ever since I was a kid, all I wanted to do was be outside. I would lie on the backyard hammock, watch the sky and contemplate life. I found it was a great way to quiet the mind and tune into oneself. It seemed natural over the course of my life, to create opportunities for others to grow and learn by being curious about the way in which the world works: both literally and symbolically. I started to learn more about myself and I found meaning in the smallest of moments, which helped me be a more complete person. This passion for personal growth and “venturing outside of the office’s doors” is what I bring to your therapy sessions.
Credential decoding: What do these letters mean?
Licensed: based on jurisdiction; licensed professionals took a really hard exam to show they are being true to their area of expertise, which for me, is Marriage and Family Therapy. Also, I take lots of continuing education courses to keep my license each year, because it renews annually!
Marriage: Yes, I see couples!
Family: Everyone is in a family/ comes from a family, so I see individuals too!
Therapy: the art of counsel, where I bring out what is covert or hidden so you can see it and make changes to be free of it.
PSIA/AASI- Professional Ski Instructors of America/ American Association of Snowboard Instructors, which I am a member of and have passed an on-the-snow exam to receive this official title!
Astrologer: I am a member of OPA: Organization for Professional Astrology, which is a way in which I receive resources, support and connection to and other astrologers.
It all started when…
I became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Fairfield University in 2011, where the term “mindfulness” was a big buzz word and developing into a cutting edge therapy. After that, I went on to practice in seven counties of Connecticut within 8 years; as well as living abroad for several years. Therefore, I am multi-cultured as well as understanding the different “cultures” of my own state. I speak several languages and I am culturally sensitive. I started a private practice in Essex as well as in Winsted in 2019. During the pandemic, however, I closed the Essex office and began to work out of my home. Prior, I worked at Charlotte Hungerford and Tides of Mind. I began to realize the work in private practice is different than in bigger agencies. Here, in a private practice setting, the client receives more personalized care and access to the therapist. Also, private practice is smaller, therapists are not as overloaded with cases, which means less burn out and better therapy. What agencies do assist with is more connection to the community. In general, non-profits are more well known to other community stakeholders and have easier access to those. I understand that even if we have similar or different life experiences, it takes a few sessions to learn about what it is like to be where you are. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy for trauma survivors, and I incorporate art therapy with teens and individuals interested in creative growth through self-expression. I also have experience working with couples using Gottman Method and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. I created Sportive Psychotherapy (aka Venture Out sessions) as well as in- the-office modalities to heal the inner self (with use of Internal Family Systems). Some things to consider as you pursue therapy: Have you been in therapy before? Was it a good experience? Is there a current need for spiritual guidance? What are your expectations when we meet? What are some fears? What is your understanding of mental health? These are good to consider for yourself as you enter into therapy with certain expectations. In looking for a therapist it is helpful (although not exclusive) to consider the therapist’s Master’s education background (mine is LMFT), his/her lived experience (as described above), and the client- therapist relationship, which include abiding by the AAMFT code of ethics:
Astrology started to become a valued interest when I began to use it in my own life to make sense of the difficulties I had gone through, as well as channeling strengths. I find astrology to be a non- pathological approach for those seeking a philosophical journey through mental health, but I understand it does not fit everyone.
The idea of “venture out, grow within”, is multi-faceted. It’s for those who want to explore the inner self, to become better relaters, lovers, & givers, without fear or regret. It is for those who want to be in-the-moment, and who want to thrive from feeling alive. All of this can be achieved in the office and outdoors!
Talk therapy is not dead: we all need another person's consciousness and response to their thoughts in order to get a clearer perspective on our lives. The type of therapy I offer is very specific to the individual with whom I serve/work. You could say it is "client-centered". You will be met with compassion, extensive training & genuinity. We will laugh together & dive into the topics you bring to each session so you can be a more confident and capable person.
My goal is that you feel valued and met where you are at, as well as to provide a creative way to express yourself, and to allow for more connectivity and communication among beloved members.