I did not become a Christian until I was 33, I soon discovered the joys of applying scripture to my own life. Through this I became involved with mental health in the church in the mid 1990s. At first it was group work, then I added coaching/mentoring for individuals and worked in that space until 2013. It was then I felt the need to go back to school to get a grad degree in counseling with theology and become a licensed therapist. I use many scriptures in my work and ask permission of my clients to apply faith in sessions. I have become acutely aware that some clients have been hurt by churches and their use of scripture, but they often want to hear a faith perspective. Some scriptures I use frequently are Gen 2:18 (It is not good for man to be alone), 1 Pet 2:4 (you are chosen and precious) and Rom 8:1 (There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus).

I incorporate biblical ideas by first seeing the application of the scriptures into client’s situations, then I ask permission to bring those applications into the therapy; if yes, I will quote the relevant verses, if no, I just move on without them. I also often apply Christian principles without using direct quotations, such as being kind and tender-hearted, or choosing joy, or loving one another.

My main area of expertise is addictions, I work with all forms of addictions and compulsive behaviors. Some other areas I have expertise in are; therapy for difficult personality disorders, integrating diet with mental health and family of origin/attachment theory.