About me

My mission is to offer what I have learned about cultivating self-compassion and acceptance within ourselves and our bodies.  In my experience, cultivating this appreciative mindset enhances the creation of larger cultures of compassion and acceptance in our communities, which in turn positively influences individuals, families, organizations and the larger world community so that all people have support to express the fullest offering of their unique gifts.

I  draw from my training as a licensed psychologist with a foundation in adult development, relational theory, and narrative inquiry.  I am a member of the American Psychological Association and I am certified as a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation.  I completed a year-long certification program in narrative inquiry and practices through the Narrative Therapy Initiative, which is in alignment with my own value of deepening my awareness of the effects of cultural discourses on whose stories are privileged in our culture, and which honors my commitment to the importance of continued learning in the skills of providing scaffolding and support for the narratives of all people.  I am currently enrolled in a certification course to facilitate Effortless Mindfulness, which is derived from an Indo-Tibetan meditation practice of pointing out the awake aware consciousness that we all hold within.

My work with people is informed by narrative and dialogic inquiry, internal family systems work, and developmental, relational, and integral theory. It draws upon wisdom from self-compassion, yoga, non-violent communication and mindfulness practices. Yet the most important influences on my approach are the powerful learnings and discoveries that I have experienced in the conversations and relationships that I have had with people over the past 35 years, as they have journeyed toward authoring their preferred narratives for their lives.

Many of the conversations that I have been a part of have centered around people cultivating an accepting relationship with their bodies and themselves.  Most of the conversations have involved rich discussions leading to the discernment of their values, which has facilitated movement toward leading themselves and/or their organizations from their preferred places of integrity and empowerment.  Being able to have the privilege of participating in these meaningful conversations has been and continues to be a great joy in my life!  Please contact me if you are interested in engaging in conversations in order to further clarify what has meaning for you, or if you feel moved to explore a new direction in your life, or if you would like to cultivate a more compassionate and accepting stance toward yourself or others, or if you would simply like to explore new possibilities through a shift in perspective or mindset.