Hi there!
So you’re digging deeper and found this lil nugget (oh, I like you already!).
I’m gonna spill the tea.
My first experience with therapy started at 25 years old, as a client. I was depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and confused.
I grew up in rural Appalachia. I had a total of four ‘fathers’ (yep, I said four!) by the time I was nine years old: a rural poverty stereotype with poorly educated parents, a bio dad who didn’t claim me, an addicted mother, and dark whispers of abuse and neglect immersion throughout.
In spite of (or because of, as I later learned) this chaotic, dysfunctional mess, I began molding myself as the perfect daughter. I had a 3.8 GPA in high school, went to the parties and dated regularly. I graduated from Auburn University in 1991 at the top 5% of my class. I landed a teaching position immediately after college graduation regardless of the competitive and scarce job market. I married well to a husband who was a doctorate level professional.
Two years into my career and five years into my marriage, I found myself crying uncontrollably, unable to go to work, and on total shut down. I questioned all of my life choices. I had done everything right; I followed the rules – why was I so miserable? None of this made sense. I had a history of being a determined, focused, organized and methodical person who sets goals and meets them.
Where did she go?
What followed was over a decade of psychotherapy with multiple therapists. I am not exaggerating when I say, those therapists saved my life.
The changes kept coming, both inside and out.
I divorced, was raising my daughter alone and working full time while studying for my Master’s degree from West Virginia University (2006 graduate). I got pregnant with my son while building a 3.9 GPA and got engaged with my baby daddy (married 17 years and counting 🙂). All of this was accomplished at the same time (I swear, I’m not kidding – I know that’s taken years off my life expectancy)
I know. Kinda dramatic, right? Well, that’s my style. I have been accused of being a bit passionate. My passion serves me well in my life choice as a psychotherapist.
I am genuine, invested, and all in. Ain’t no fakin’ my passion for this career.
For what it’s worth, I’m Myers-Briggs Personality Type ENFJ – I share the same type as President Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Good company, in my book
I am honored and blessed I get to work with you. Thank you.
Memberships and Certifications:
- West Virginia State License #DP00942249
- Virginia State License #0904011293
- Studied with Brene’ Brown in San Antonio, TX, circa 2015
- Level 1 training in the Gottman Method for couple’s work
- Gambling Addiction Treatment Specialist, trained in 2008
- Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and NASW-WV
