Approach to therapy:

Existential Humanist, spiritually- and trauma-informed

Eclectic, attachment-focused, integrating poetry, nature, spirituality, and the arts (where desired and appropriate)

Work:

Interfaith Chaplain- Saint Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston, Maine

Interfaith Chaplain- The Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Scotland UK

Per diem Interfaith Chaplain- Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME

Volunteer with Renewal in the Wilderness, Maine

Counseling Intern- StonyCreek Psychotherapy and Wellness, Maine

Counseling Intern- University of Southern Maine Augusta

Education:

BA Sociology, University of Southern Maine, with focus on gender and religion

MTS (Masters in Theological Studies), Boston College, with focus on feminist theologies and utilizing qualitative methods for theological research

MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Southern Maine; focus on mind, body, spirit, and expressive arts therapies

Clinical Pastoral Education completed at Maine Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital

When I talk to others about my career path I often compare it to the experience of walking a labyrinth (pictured). Through twists and turns (including plenty of crushing disappointments and risky moves as well as personal victories) I’ve learned that the path to a meaningful life isn’t always straightforward and requires the courage to “go out to the limits of your longing”, as Rilke so beautifully put it. It’s been a long road, but worth it. I love what I do. I’m still learning day-by-day how to hear and trust my inner voice of truth and the inherent wisdom of my body, which is no small feat as someone raised in a particular type of religious context that taught the opposite. My spiritual path mirrors my career path in its twists and turns, and I count myself among all those in recovery from religious fundamentalism. I firmly believe that there is life (and hope!) outside high control religion. Spiritual, emotional, and relational healing are possible.

We are beautiful, whole beings who deserve beautiful, meaningful lives. As an interfaith chaplain and therapist I honor the diversity of our religious and spiritual expressions and I recognize that there can be both positive and negative experiences within spiritual/religious communities, practices, and teachings. And I work to support clients wherever they are in their spiritual journeys as part of their mental and emotional well being.

I grew up in the Colorado Rockies and relocated to Portland, Maine nearly 15 years ago. I went back to school later in life to finish my undergraduate degree in Sociology, focusing on Gender and Religion, at the University of Southern Maine and went on to earn a Masters in Theological Studies (MTS) at Boston College, focusing on Feminist Theology and qualitative research methods in theological research. Afterwards, I sought further training and worked in interfaith hospital chaplaincy. I moved to the UK for a short time to work at a psychiatric hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland before continuing my chaplaincy training at Massachusetts General Hospital. I then headed back home to Maine to work at a small, regional hospital.

What I enjoyed most about my chaplaincy work was the counseling support I provided my patients, families, and staff, and I found myself wishing I could work with people longer term to address deeper issues like major life transitions, relationship challenges, and developmental and religious trauma. I then returned to the University of Southern Maine to pursue an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and after completing internships at StonyCreek Psychotherapy and Wellness and the University of Maine Augusta and finishing my degree, I launched my private therapy practice. I am currently completing additional trainings in the Gottman method to support my work with couples and families.