about me

My goal is to help you find peace in the midst of chaos, meaning from pain, and wholeness out of brokenness.

 
 

My passion for counseling began at a young age. I am grateful to have been in a profession that never ceased to energize and challenge me. I find joy in learning new ways to help people resolve struggles in their relationships, gain new interpersonal skills, and develop healthier ways to cope with the stresses of life. My goal in counseling and now in my writing is to help people find mental and emotional wholeness to the highest degree possible.

My therapy style has been dynamic yet respectful and empathetic yet challenging. I used an active, coaching style of therapy while offering compassionate support. I made use of books and handouts. I sought to empower clients to reach their goals.

As a spiritually focused person, I have a genuine love for people and a tested belief in God’s ability to heal their hearts from the inevitable injuries of living in a fallen world. I believe the spiritual part of our lives is important for emotional and relational healing. I embrace a Christian worldview and yet seek to respect others’ beliefs.

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I am married and have four adult children / stepchildren and 8 grandchildren. My husband and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, musical theater, opera (especially when daughter, Jenny, is the “star”). We love reading good books together next to the fireplace while listening to classical guitar. We keep up our “bed and breakfast” home for family members who visit.

 

Several life experiences shaped my values, passions and personal growth:

  • Growing up in a loving home despite my father’s battle with alcoholism

  • Volunteering for Young Life for 20 years in several capacities

  • Growing from good and bad church experiences

  • Taking the risk and cost to change professions in my thirties

  • Learning the unique challenges of adjusting to the dynamics of step-family living

  • Losing the affections of a former cherished spouse

  • Finding new love in Dan, with whom to share the empty nest years of my life

  • Writing books, articles based upon what I have learned as a life-learner and therapist for 33 years.

 

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#LF00001029). I earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 1988. I completed my internship with Lutheran Social Services and began a private practice in 1987. Over my 33 years of private practice, I helped establish several Christian counseling centers, most recently The Shepherd’s Center, where I worked for close to 20 years with a team of skilled therapists.

Since retiring, I recommend that folks who are looking for quality, spiritually-sensitive counseling in the Gig Harbor area, to go to The Shepherd’s Center website to explore local options for counseling.

For folks looking for counselors specializing in Infidelity Recovery in other parts of the country, I recommend reading my Letter for Readers for guidance.

I am still a member of the Pierce County Counselors Association (PCCA) and The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

I have attended many workshops over the years, most notably on helping couples and individuals heal from infidelity. I have had the great fortune of learning from infidelity experts Shirley Glass, Ph.D., Janice A. Spring, Ph.D., Frank Pittman, MD, Dave Carder, MA and Emily Brown, Ph.D.

 

INTERVIEWs, PUBLICATIONS & honors

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