What’s In A Name? /Origin Story
I spent many years of my career trying to help people visualize a moment in their lives where they felt completely at peace. Where there was nothing in their lives since then that could knock those moments down. These were the moments that were untarnished by what was and would be. For me, that was in an Aspen Grove on a snow capped mountain called Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was completely quiet. The air was fresh. It was morning, so it felt just a tad damp, but not unpleasant at all. I was completely at peace. The Aspen trees clearly carried secrets shared amongst people there before, some sweet, shared experiences between lovers, and solitary moments of peace. For me, it was pure and magical. I decided to name my business after that moment. I was 100% present and without a care in the world other than being in that moment. I was whole. Every time I close my eyes and think of that moment, I feel calmer, lighter, and a little bit happier.
The cool thing about Aspen trees is that they usually aren’t solitary trees. These trees are in a network of trees, often in Aspen groves. They are meant to be connected to others, whether that be family or the extended community. They are mysterious and loud. Demanding. Courageous against the elements. They are rare and beautiful. Every season, even the dark ones, cannot steal its beauty. You can love all the parts of what makes it what it is. They shed what they do not need freely, as it has no use for them. These trees are meant to bathe in the warmth and sunlight. Even when it is almost doomed and flames are moving in around it, it withstands. Aspen trees are who WE were always meant to be and can be. Sometimes we just must get help to get there.
My Approach
Our stories often include twists and turns that keep us from moving forward. That might be due to turbulent relationships, use of substances or a loved one struggling with substance use, bouts of depression or anxiety that impacts quality of life, a loved one passing away or our own thinking patterns that influence our behaviors. My role in working with you is assisting you with moving forward, finding solutions or courses of action, and building your toolbox so that you can cope more productively.
My specialty is the treatment of addiction and recovery. Through the years, I worked with addicted individuals, their partners, couples, sober parents, adult children of addicts, parents of addicted children, grandchildren and grandparents in families with addiction and loved ones. I have extensive experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict/estrangement, adjustment issues, and LGBTQ issues. I will meet you where you are. Beyond psychotherapy, my work has included development of curriculums for treatment facilities, trainings for clinical staff members, overseeing clinical site management, supervision of therapists and staff, management of therapeutic services and strategic design and development of clinical programs. I always loved working directly with people.
Exploring the struggles that come with substance use and addiction are painful and confusing. The road is bumpy and often is not linear. I make sure that I listen closely, make room for grieving and support your healing and growth with a style that is actively engaged, nonjudgmental and compassionate. I am open-minded with my approach; one size does not fit all. With some people, they prefer structure and homework. Others prefer a place to let it all hang out. We collaborate to make it the place you need it to be for you to get the most out of it. My style is empathic, warm, validating, and even humorous to help establish rapport and to form a therapeutic relationship that feels safe and comfortable for you. I place an emphasis on building collaborative therapeutic relationships that help you to feel understood and accepted.
Help is here. You are not alone. And congratulations on taking that first step on your road to recovery.