When I recommend a course of action, I speak from real-life experience

My personal life has been filled with trauma and triumph – a child with cancer, an ugly divorce, my living in self-destruct mode for years, deaths of loved ones, hurricanes and a recent severe physical disability for 18 months. Seven surgeries later I have made a miraculous recovery, for which I am so grateful. When I recommend a course of action, I speak from real-life experience.

Miracles can happen

In addition, I have helped hundreds of people in pain to find hope and make changes to achieve the life they want. Many in my private practice in Houston, Texas and even more working for the US Army as a psychologist at the Warrior Resilience Center at Fort Bliss, Texas. I helped active duty soldiers who had survived horrific war experiences  deal with suicidal thoughts and isolation from family and loved ones. Our program helped bring them back from the brink and develop the ability to engage in recreation, socializing, and joyful living again.

 Keep a Sense of Humor

Years ago, when people seated next to me on airplanes asked what my line of work was, I would say, “I’m a junk dealer.” Mostly, I was trying to avoid a long conversation when I wanted to sleep. Of course, my reply to their question was tongue-in-cheek, but there was some truth in my statement. Everyone carries “junk” from childhood abuses and loss or hurts and disappointments to horrible tragedy. Thanks to COVID, nearly everyone has suffered at least one traumatic experience in their lives. Yet, faulty logic, misplaced shame, anxiety, depression, overthinking, and the belief we can control all the forces in our lives leave us vulnerable, angry, scared, or feeling powerless or not good enough. My real passion is to guide and support people in pain until they start to grow and thrive. And to either re-purpose that junk or get rid of it.

My passion is pointing people to what is possible

Whatever the pain points in your life may be, you can triumph and overcome the pain and grief. You can build a stronger, more resilient you. But it is unlikely that you can do it alone, especially if you were wounded in a relationship with someone who should have loved and protected you. Healing requires the safety of a healthy relationship. I truly get what it’s like to feel all those things and to do a lot of things wrong. You can convince the world that you are just fine, but if you’re honest, you probably aren’t convinced yourself, are you? Welcome to the human condition.

I’ve served many communities and individuals as clinical psychologist, adjunct professor, psychotherapist, diagnostician, couples retreat leader, group therapist, and now as a certified Health and Life Coach. Opening that door, shining a light, guiding clients toward excellent decisions and offering them the right resources at the right time. Basically, I’m talking about building on your past experience and knowledge in order to empower yourself to find your purpose and love who you are and how you do life.

Yes, I Have a Personal Life

I have enjoyed being a wife for 37 years, mother of four adult children, grandmother to three fantastic young men (the youngest is only two years old:). I cherish every relationship in my life. I love God and thank him every day for giving me strength to live my dream.