Brookhaven Counseling Auburn

Henry Cloud said, "The human heart will seek to be known, understood, and connected with above all else." As we move through life, we all feel the strong desire and need to connect with those around us. In this connection, we hope to experience the joy and blessing of being seen, heard, and understood. In other words, we long to be known for who we really are. But when we feel the hurt of not being fully known, this desire for relationship with others often brings us pain. Henri Nouwen stated "The first step to healing is not a step away from the pain, but a step toward it." I consider it a great honor to walk with you in the pain and challenges of your journey. I have a heart for those individuals who have experienced trauma, women of all ages who find themselves needing support in painful circumstances, the couple who is navigating the difficult and dark experiences of betrayal, infidelity, and addiction, and young adults navigating the tricky waters of growing up. Sitting with others in their most painful moments requires me to remain committed to my own healing, self-reflection, and growth. I recognize that this ongoing personal work is essential to being authentically present and fully engaged, both as a counselor and as a person. I approach therapy and counseling through a trauma-informed, attachment based lens. Prior to pursuing a career in counseling, I spent 25 years in the field of physical therapy working with those suffering from physical pain. This previous experience in working with those suffering physically has given me insight into how our emotional and physical well-being are two sides of the same coin. Because of this experience, I strive to approach counseling from a holistic perspective paying close attention to the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of each person. After working in the healthcare field for over two decades, I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling followed by graduating with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, level 1 trained Gottman therapist, currently pursuing certification as a Neuroaffective Relational Model (NARM) therapist, and am a member of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. I am a National Certified Counselor. I am currently licensed in the state of Alabama as a Licensed Professional Counselor.