Philosophy
Inspired by teachings of Western therapists and Eastern philosophy, my therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that each individual has the innate capacity to recognize their truth and the ability to find the answers to their problems. Most of us, however, have not received the guidance on how to do this and instead of looking inside ourselves as a source of our healing, we look to the outside for acceptance and validation of our experiences. On a more personal level, since childhood I have been blessed with a great capacity for understanding the 'bigger picture' of things and still today am continually astounded by human behavior and the resilience of human nature.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my work is based in systemic theory, by which multiple factors are taken into consideration when assessing possible causes for an individual's or couple's distress. My 20-year study of the Enneagram, a uniquely developed powerful personality typology system that describes nine distinct temperaments or 'ways of being', has further strengthened my appreciation for differences in humankind and the struggles we are all faced with when our birthright for human connection has not been realized or seems out of reach.
My goal is to help you maximize your capacity to become more grounded in understanding the essence of yourself and your partner, enhancing your own inherent qualities and strengths to achieve personal and relational growth, and develop a healthier way of relating to yourself and to others. My compassionate and optimistic nature, empathic yet direct style, creates a space for individuals and couples to build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Professional Experience
I am a private practitioner, certified in Relational Life Therapy (RLT©) and a certified Relational Bootcamp Facilitator. Additionally, I am a certified Enneagram Practitioner and Trainer in the Narrative Enneagram Tradition. Approved as a supervisor in 2012 by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and clinical fellow, I also oversee clinical students acquiring their licensing status in the mental health field. I have served as Adjunct Professor at Central Connecticut State University, where I taught the Masters level course "Systemic Perspectives on Mental Disorders". As a trained counsellor for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, I have worked extensively in the field of trauma and abuse with children, adolescents and adults since 2001.
Due to my commitment to enhance the well-being of children and families, I have pursued training as a Parenting Coordinator, as a Mentor in the Collaborative Divorce process, and as a Guardian ad Litem through CASA. Prior to this, I was an instructor in Adult Education, and after dissolving my business as a successful horse breeder and trainer in Germany, I began working with physically challenged and emotionally disturbed children and adults using horses as my co-therapists.
Certifications and trainings include:
- Enneagram Practitioner and Trainer in the Narrative Tradition (www.narrativeenneagram.org)
- Relational Life Therapist (RLT©)
- Essential Skills Relational Bootcamp Facilitator of the Relational Life Institute©
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents
- Internal Family Systems (IFS), Level I and II
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Compassionate Therapy Model
- Crisis Counsellor for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Mediation for Child Custody and Divorce
- Parenting Coordinator for divorcing couples of minor children
- Guardian ad Litem (CASA)
- Former Therapeutic Horse-Back-Riding Instructor through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA)
