I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy in private practice in Tucson, Arizona and Houston, Texas. Having just relocated back to Arizona, I continue to see Texas clients and supervisees through teletherapy. I am the founder and director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston, Texas. I was born and raised in Arizona, and graduated from the University of Arizona.
With over 23 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, and as a Masters graduate of University of Houston-Clear Lake specializing in Family Therapy, I currently works with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are pregnancy and postpartum related issues, couples therapy for dating, engaged, co-habitating, separated or married couples, personal growth and self-care, and family relationships.
In addition to being a long time mental health advocate and professional therapist, I have presented at local, state and national conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of pregnancy and postpartum depression, self-care for new mothers, and changes in marriage after baby. I served 12 years on the Board of The Houston Association For Marriage and Family Therapy, and am a Texas State Board Certified Clinical Supervisor for LMFT and LPC. I also served 10 years on the Advisory Board of The Yates Children Memorial Fund for Women's Mental Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston. I am a past-president of the Houston Association For Marriage and Family Therapy, and a clinical member of Postpartum Support International and the American Associate for Marriage and Family Therapy.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. I am comfortable with incorporating spirituality with therapy when desired, and work with LGBT clients as well. I offer a place for you to explore and find a deeper understanding of yourself and your life, and make the changes you are hoping for. Whether it is resolving something from the past, or creating something new for your future, I am confident that can assist you in your personal goals.
Education
Master of Arts in Family Therapy - 1995. University of Houston - Clear Lake, Houston, Texas.
License- LMFT #4780, LPC #14045 Texas, Arizona LPC # 17639, Arizona LMFT #15350
Certifications & Awards
HAMFT Leadership Award, 2005.
Mental Health America Community Education Award, 2009.
Additional Training
- Postpartum Support International – pre-conference training in Perinatal Mood Disorders, Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO. June 20 – 21, 2007, Houston, Texas, July 2018
- Postpartum Support International – pre-conference training in Perinatal Mood Disorders, Annual Conference, New York, New York. June 24 - 28, 2003
- Certification in Prepare/Enrich Marriage Inventory, 1999
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- Crisis Hotline Training, Crisis Intervention of Houston. Houston, Texas. 1991 – 1992.
- Supervision Training (40 hour required course) Houston Galveston Institute with Harlene Anderson. Houston, Texas 2010
Professional Activities and Memberships
Postpartum Support International Annual Conference Co-Chair, 2008
Texas State Co-Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, 2005 - current.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Houston, Texas.
Chairperson - Yates Children Memorial Fund, 2005- 2008.
Advisory Board Member. 2002 - current.
Postpartum Resource Center of Texas, Austin, Texas. 2003 – 2005.
Volunteer for statewide telephone hotline, Hotline Trainer,
Advisory Board Member, and Regional Co-coordinator
Past President-- Houston Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2005
President- Houston Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2004
President-Elect - Houston Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2001 and 2003
Board member- Houston Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 1996 - 2006. Positions held: Local Arrangements Chair for State Conference (1996, 2000), Awards Chair, 1997 - 99. Monthly Programs Chair, 2000
Clinical Member - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 1999 - current.
Depression After Delivery, Inc. - clinical member. 2000 - 2005.
Postpartum Support International - clinical member. 2002 - current. - Tucson Postpartum Depression Coalition member