I hold an Ed.S graduate degree from the University of South Carolina, focused in marriage, couples and family therapy. My practice is grounded in systemic therapy, relationships and the idea of the spaces between. Emotionally focused approaches most resonate with me and inform my therapeutic outlook.
My early career involved decades of mediation and collaboration experience in high-stakes corporate negotiations – some of which were “bet the farm” bids for transformation and growth. This followed Master of Science degree from Columbia University in New York City at the start of my career.
While a native of Oregon, I spent the next couple of decades in New York City, then Columbia, SC for several years, with a return to the northeast for another decade. I am now back happily settled in the Midlands. These adventures have instilled a strong sense of perspective and an even stronger connection to openness and exploration.
A narrative therapy lens informs my approach to counseling in general. Another evidence-based therapy utilized is Emotionally-Focused Therapy and I have completed my ICEEFT Externship-level training in this approach (2022) and am continuing with Core Skills toward full certification. In addition, I have a trauma-informed certification from MUSC and have completed level 1 of the Gottman method of couples counseling.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important vector of change. With familial and romantic relationships this is even more critical as the overlapping perspectives, cross-cutting psychological drivers, and general “messiness” of these systemic interactions make things appear exasperatingly complex and unsolvable.
I work to consolidate these feelings into something more pared down and relatable, something that resonates with all involved.
Cascade Therapy is a member of Columbia Counseling Collective, a collaborative shared workspace for mental health professionals serving Columbia, SC and the Midlands
