My Practice

In our work together you will not have to explain suffering, nor explain why you are not going to give up. You will be met with the open space philosophy that many possibilities exist even during times of doubt or disrepair.

Off the bat I want you, my potential clients, to know that I am not perfect and I have overcome hard things. I have soared and been burned and then attempted to soar again with victories. This has given me a greater understanding of life, and my practice, so I am better equipped to help others. 

I learned skills of resilience from relocation experiences. I grew up back east and relocated to the midwest to get divorced. Yes, you read that right. Shortly after relocating I was faced with divorce and single parenting. Challenges existed or transformed — typically not easily. It took help. Community and connection taught me that no one overcomes alone. Helpers and guides are necessary for success. 

Learning how to allow and develop community connections and friendships can be challenging but worth it on the mental health scale of importance. Rebuilding after a relocation, career change, breakup or divorce is a busy time. You must explore obstacles and see through illusions of limitation. My studies and practice in the creative arts is so handy when it comes to overcoming limitations and obstacles. Problem solving oftentimes requires a change in perspective, or thinking outside of the box. In your therapy or life coaching sessions you can access the skills of creative thinking and envisioning you at your best. 

In our work together you will be encouraged to follow your hopes and make personal goals, while practicing valuable mental health skills — taking each step intentionally towards your own successes. Victory is part of the Open Space Madison philosophy. You will be supported to achieve goals through skills of accountability and maintaining motivation. I can attest that during times of change in my life, like when I chose to stop playing D1 sports in college and focus on my studies, my identity had to shift and I had to learn how to stay grounded and maintain motivation during a time of doubt and excitement. 

INTENTIONAL LIFE DESIGN
My personal journey, coupled with my learnings as a therapist and life coach, has brought me to what’s called an intentional life design — which means for me, now is family first. And I think this is good news for my clients because it means I am caring and experience deep connection with the people I care about. Because I love and value my family so much I have had to develop other skill sets that have proven useful to my clients. I learned the skill of “being in the here and now.” I have learned the power of play, and forgiveness. I practice transparent communication which has helped improve my emotional balance, as well as my work/life balance. Remarriage was not necessarily a goal I had, it was however a piece of the puzzle of my life that made sense to me and my children. And I lucked out.

There are two more aspects of my intentional life design that can be beneficial for my clients. Business development and career advancement have been important in my personal development. Learning how to network requires overcoming anxiety. Pursuing higher education requires overcoming self doubt. In our therapy or life coaching work, together we can address areas of your life that might require you to overcome anxiety and develop leadership skills instead. Many of my current clients are self starters, passionate people who care greatly for their communities. In our work together it is an appropriate space to explore entrepreneurship or career enhancement. 

Lastly it is important to share that at the foundation of mental health often comes nutrition; the basics of food, sleep and movement. The relationship between nutrition and mental health is well documented. Stress reduction, improved sleep, improved mood stability, mental clarity and focus — as well as health and fitness goal attainment — can all be helped along with these proven practices. If I am not in my office or at home, I am on the pickle ball courts or hiking in nature. Take care and talk soon.