LPC, LMFT, Mediator
Dallas, Texas Therapist Specializing in Individual and Couples Counseling, Communication Skills, Conflict Management Skills, Play Therapy, Family and Divorce Mediation
I believe that many of the problematic thoughts and behaviors we develop by the time we become adults begin in our early years and take shape through our beliefs, fears, and habits acquired through life experiences. My theoretical orientation is based on Bowen Family Systems Theory as well as the work of Dr. William Glasser. Both view an individual as part of a relational system and impacted by the quality of the relationships in their life. I view my role as helping clients explore, process, and make meaning of their experiences, develop more helpful ways of coping with everyday life and relationships, focus on their inner strengths, and make choices that bring them closer to their goals. I am also passionate about working with children through play. The language of play is a powerful and curative way in which children express and process life events and emotions that they are unable to articulate with words.
Specific areas of focus:
– Evaluating and forging a new path after a major life transition.
– Identifying and moving beyond obstacles, beliefs and fears that limit you.
– Increasing life energy, self-esteem and self-confidence.
– Couples therapy to strengthen your relationship through compassionate, honest, direct communication.
– Develop a vision with goals that align with your deepest desires and values.
– Creating more confidence and resiliency in managing life challenges.
– Play and Activity Therapy for children.
-Mediation and dispute resolution.
Returning to school after working in the legal and dispute resolution fields for over 20 years, I completed my Master of Science in Counseling at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Born and raised in South Africa, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my law degree, after which I practiced as an attorney. I spent over 20 years life coaching and in leadership roles in various non-profit and faith-based organizations. In addition, my husband and I founded a community health organization focusing on treating and counseling HIV patients in impoverished communities. We spent six years in Singapore where I became a mediator and managed the Singapore Mediation Center. I was head of the mediation section of a counseling and mediation organization. In 2012 we emigrated to the United States where I become a private and court-approved mediator specializing in family and divorce mediation. I am a member of the Texas Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, the Texas Marriage and Family Therapy Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Texas Association of Mediators.
I have a passion for teaching and serve as an Adjunct Professor for the SMU Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management graduate program teaching graduate courses in mediation & dispute resolution, family conflict dynamics, and gender & culture in negotiation. I’m the co-author of a book “Unlocked: Essential Keys to Manage Family Conflict” and provide mediation services at Insights.
My rate is $150 for a 50-minute session; $225 for a 80-minute session; mediation fees are $500 per party for half day (4-hours) session and $1000 per party for a full day (8 hours). Additional hours are charged at $150 per party per hour. LPC (Texas License # 86909), LMFT (Texas License #204393).. Click here to request an appointment.
A quote that resonates with me:
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.