Life brings challenges and changes to us all—grief and loss, depression, marital difficulties, mid-life crises, transitions of all sorts, caring for aging parents, physical or sexual abuse, desire for spiritual growth, opportunities to know oneself more deeply. Often these are the times when we feel the need for extra guidance and support, either as individuals or as couples. They are times for learning to let go of one part of our lives or learning to see our lives from new perspectives in order to find healing and to move forward with energy and joy.
I come to pastoral counseling informed by my own experiences of healing and growth and the awareness that such growth involves all of who we are: body, mind, and spirit. Growth happens best in an atmosphere of acceptance, openness, and mutual respect where questions can be asked, stories told, and new insights gained. I work to provide such an atmosphere, a welcoming space where clients can explore the many aspects of their lives and begin to practice new ways of being and living.
I am an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church, and have worked as a pastoral counselor for almost 20 years. I received a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. I am a Diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, and have completed Level III Reiki training. I am qualified to do supervision for those seeking to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Virginia and for those working toward any level of membership in AAPC.
When I’m not working I like to play in the dirt—both in my garden and at the potter’s wheel. I also enjoy reading, music of many kinds, baking, walking, and spending time with family and a wide circle of friends.
I work out of the Manassas and Fairfax centers and can be reached at voice mail extension 294.