OUT OF THE CROOKED TIMBER OF HUMANITY NO STRAIGHT THING WAS EVER MADE

-Kant

And certainly not me.

I'm a psychologist, but I’m a human being first. I have fears, loves, doubts, and dreams like anyone else. Being fully immersed in this human experience myself is a professional asset that I bring to each session.

I also bring this belief: "We have what we seek. We have it all the time, and if we give it time it will make itself known" (Thomas Merton).

So, when we work together, my main focus is to understand what you truly want for yourself and to partner with you to move in that direction.

More info, in case you’re interested…

I got hooked on psychology early on because people are fascinating. I earned my undergraduate degree from Davidson College, with experiences ranging from studying how families function, to performing brain surgery on a rat, to interning in NC prisons. I completed my doctorate at Pepperdine University, specializing in clinical psychology. The American Psychological Association describes clinical psychology as "a specialty in breadth" that relies on the "integration of knowledge and skill from a broad array of disciplines within and outside of psychology proper" (link). This was the perfect fit because I've always been interested in too many things to pick just one. This clinical foundation has given me the ability to see the big picture and each of the parts. For instance:

  • the breadth of human psychiatric conditions, as well as what we know about how those conditions come to be and what treatments are effective

  • the different types of psychological assessment and testing, and how each can be useful

  • how a medical condition can affect a person's psychological functioning or how a person's social and emotional functioning can affect his or her health

  • the risks and benefits of medications, as well as alternative treatments

  • how other professionals can be helpful - such as, physicians, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, educational specialists, and behavioral specialists

Beginning with practica in college, I have been working in psychology for over 30 years. The last decade and a half of those have been in private practice. Follow this link to view my training and experience. 

I'm a member of the following organizations:

  • American Psychological Association

  • North Carolina Psychological Association

  • Mecklenburg Psychological Association

These professional websites can be so dry. So, I’ll add some random facts:

  • I have two teenage boys (enough said?).

  • Our dog, Smokey, is a giant teddy bear who likes to join us in sessions sometimes.

  • I was born in Hawaii and have never fully left.

  • My husband likes to run into burning buildings and also to run for up to 100 miles at a time.

  • I also like to run, but only reasonable lengths.