Services

Life Is Hard

My clients often feel as if their sense of self-worth is gone. Like them, you might feel dependent on the approval of others to feel good about yourself. But even when people do praise you, it can be hard to believe they really meant it. You wish your husband would actually listen to you when you tell him you’re struggling. Or maybe your dad was not really there for you in the ways you needed growing up.

These issues are making life challenging for you today. You might have noticed some of these problems:

Trouble sleeping at night, wondering if you’re doing the right things for your kids
Anxiety creeping in whenever you think about doing something for yourself (because who is going to hold everything together while you take a break?)
Feeling disconnected from your partner or friends
Worrying that you’ll never be good enough

Counseling Can Help

When I meet with new clients, the first thing I do is provide space for them to share their story—to the extent that they feel comfortable. I want to hear what is troubling you. And as I listen, I offer an empathetic ear. One that says, “Your struggles make sense. Of course this is hard.”

I let my clients know that I believe them–their suffering is real and valid. Together, we can process your hurts. We also identify the values that are important to you and how you can live a life that reflects these values. We might explore dreams you’ve always wanted to go after but have felt too scared to pursue. Or we may discuss wounds other people left that need healing.

When it is a good fit, I offer EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) to help clients work through past experiences that have left a harmful impact. EMDR is an evidence-based approach that helps your brain shift from feeling as if the past hurts are happening in the here and now and instead recognize them as being there and then. This often helps people experience deeper peace and stronger confidence in themselves.

In all my work, I view my clients from a strengths-based perspective. I don’t see you as someone who is fundamentally broken–a thing to be fixed. I see you as a human being with giftings and skills who has endured hard things and needs some extra support.

The Journey of Counseling

As we work together, I seek to help my clients feel more confident about what they have to contribute to the world. Instead of believing that you have to be perfect, we help you show yourself grace when you mess up and realize that your failures don’t define you. Instead, you can live with a grounded awareness of your strengths and a compassionate acceptance of your weaknesses.

As my clients navigate relationships with others, we work together to help them feel more comfortable using their voice. They grow in sharing their honest thoughts and asking for what they want or need. We also will work to help you find ways to say “No.” Setting boundaries can help you go from “I’m so burned out” to “I can finally slow down.”

In all of this work, you can enjoy a greater awareness of who you are and where your worth comes from. This process takes time, but it is such a worth-while pursuit. When people live with a deeper sense of identity and value, they have a much greater capacity to stop settling in relationships, let go of people pleasing, and start living a more meaningful life. Reach out to me today if you want to get started on this journey.