Gottman Referral Network

About

With 40 years of mental health experience and a relationship of the same age and raising children with both chronic mental and physical health diagnoses I understand the stress these put on a relationship.
My work has included: conducting substance misuse groups for the military, research at MUSC surrounding the creation of TF-CBT, Military Emergency Crisis Worker for the American Red Cross, Chaplaincy, Psychiatric Hospital, Home-Based Counseling and private practice for about the last 25 years. I grew up working at a car wash and gas station, starting at 5 (I am from the 1900s!) In adulthood I also worked as a secret shopper, a nanny, a product display clerk, a waitress, a house cleaner and a substitute teacher at a Title 1 school. As a professional with training in multiple specialty areas, a mother and a partner who has been connected to first responders and the military for about 38 years, I bring practical life experience to my worldview. I have been called “well seasoned, not too spicy.” I love to learn and stay current and fresh through attending and conducting trainings, readings, and consultations. I enjoy finding humor where I can and think it makes like bearable. I will meet you were you are and not rush you or the process.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License #0717001120) and Licensed Professional Counselor (License #0701004033), I believe in the importance of creating and maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships through my work to achieve desired relationships. Using the Gottman Method and sometimes creative interventions as appropriate, I help couples identify and use their strengths to facilitate growth and change. I practice from a sex informed/sex positive perspective, including how chronic illnesses, pain and aging may create sexual ruptures.
Specialized training in grief and trauma allows me to explore their impact on relationships.

Special populations

Chronic pain and chronic health, grief, trauma, military, first responders, newlyweds/premarital.