I have been working in the field of mental health for 35 years. I have worked in many different settings including inpatient psychiatric facilities and residential substance abuse treatment centers, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private practice. I have worked for many years in the field of addictions treatment working with adults, adolescents, and women’s treatment. I have had the honor and pleasure of witnessing many people fight hard to regain balance and control in their lives despite major obstacles. I have had the joy of seeing many people go from feeling weak and miserable to strong and productive.

Credentials
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker #C002075
  • Licensed Substance Abuse Specialist #367
  • Certified to practice Redecision Therapy
  • Certified Trainer for parenting with Love and Logic

Training
  • Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University in 1981
  • Bachelor of Arts in Justin Morrill College with a major in Psychology from Michigan State University in 1974

Philosophy
I believe that we all have value, worth, and dignity. I believe that we all have the capacity to think, feel our feelings, and solve problems. I believe that the goal of all therapy is to empower individuals to use their resources well and to strengthen one’s sense of autonomy. I believe the outcome of good therapy should be and an improved capacity to engage creativity and live joyfully.



The symptoms of distress that we all experience such as anxiety, depression, irritability, inability to control anger, procrastination, and addictive behavior are all messages that we give ourselves that the way we are living is not working. The goal of therapy is to restore a healthy balance by identifying what isn’t working and what can be done about it. Therapy may include examining choices and decisions we have made about our lifestyle, vocation, or relationships. Therapy also frequently includes grieving losses and disappointments, re-examining conclusions we have drawn about ourselves and where we fit into our world, improving communication skills, engaging problem solving, and expanding the options we are willing to consider.

Links
www.loveandlogic.com
www.healthjourneys.com
www.rootsandwingsofpc.org
www.nami.org
www.AA.org
www.NA.org