Addiction is a progressive, chronic and if untreated, fatal disease of the brain. It is a painful process for both the addict and also the family members and as the disease progresses, so do the addictive behaviors, isolation, and need for support for both. There are multiple resources for recovery including the Twelve Step philosophy and the connection with others with similar difficulties is essential. Personally with over twenty years of my own recovery, and losing my brother to opiate addiction, I understand both the pain of this disease as well as the freedom recovery can bring.

Creating family can, at times, be full of both gifts and griefs. Typically, it does not go as planned.

As a momma of three, there has been nothing typical about the creation of my family. My story was wrought with surprises and sorrows.

Making family can carry with it new possibilities, many unexpected problems, tons of questions, and even more fears. Many of us experience grief or even shame in losing the dream of how we thought it would be, in infertility, in having a miscarriage, in losing an infant, or while in the process of adoption or foster care. I would be honored to walk with you through your trials and triumphs while creating your family.

Tenacious toddler? Challenging child? Menacing middle schooler? Anxious adolescent? Want solutions that do not involve charts, verbal battles or deafening silence?

Children behave in ways that are a reflection of the internal process (growth and development) of their external environments. Adolescents/teens are attempting to navigate rough, yet exciting, waters of growth and change.

Be part of the solution—understand what is happening with your child or adolescent—find out what they are learning and what triggers their emotions and behaviors. Find a place of support that aids connection through clear communication for yourself and your child.

Each of us, as people, have many pieces that make us whole – physical pieces, emotional pieces, intellectual pieces, & spiritual pieces. To become our complete and whole self, each one of these pieces must be acknowledged.

As a Christian counselor, I am comfortable with working with you as a spiritual being – whatever faith or denomination.

We can integrate faith practice into your continued growth and wholeness. We can honor heritage via exploration and conversation while gleaning insight into how faith has shaped you and how it can continue to be a catalyst to healing.

There are times in our lives as a couple that the person who is supposed to be our source of support and comfort becomes the person who is the source of hurt and agitation. At Safe & Sound we help couples learn to express emotions that are under the surface (soft) feelings in ways that are safe and healing. Letting go of resentments and fear then embracing with forgiveness, courage, and hope.

From the womb to the tomb bonding and attachment takes place. Oxytocin is present to start the process of childbirth, during nursing, holding hands, kissing, hugging, looking into your child’s eyes and face. All human behavior is strategies to attach. Accessible, Responsive, Emotionally Engaged these are the 3 domains parents must assess: Am I there for my kids? How do I respond to my kids? Do I feel with my kids?

Thankfully, we don’t have to have a perfect 100% all the time. 30% is doing great! That’s where family counseling at Safe & Sound helps, it gives the space to improve and learn how to have a healthy level of accessibility, responsiveness, and emotionally engagement with our children/teens.

How can we come together around the highly charged and challenging topic of sexual and gender diversity in our families, churches and communities? Where can acceptance be found when the struggle to understand one’s sexual orientation or gender identity arises?

As the mother of a gay man, I understand the challenges that arise when beliefs within families diverge, impacting all of us. I will help you explore personal struggles surrounding LGBTQ+ acceptance in families, churches and communities, while assisting you in developing respectful dialogue that fosters love and acceptance.

It has become increasingly unclear the definition of man/masculinity in today’s culture. The old roles of head of the house, just work and wife takes care of the kids and home, are gone leaving a void. Who am I? Where am I going? How do I contribute? These questions left unanswered lead to anger, depression, and anxiety in men and young men. The process of counseling empowers men and young men to engage in life. Defining their personal goals, beliefs, and values motivating them to change course and set out in a new destination.

Parenting can be one of the most challenging roles in life. It is essential that as a parent we model what we want our children to incorporate in their own adult lives and provide a nurturing yet structured environment. Sometimes we must uncover our own deficits in order to build on our strengths so that we can have more to offer to our children and not take their behaviors so personally. Many times we are powerless over our children’s choices and may struggle to accept them unconditionally. The more we can seek and obtain our own balance and happiness with healthy coping skills, the better able we are to nurture and limit set during their growth.

“While everyone was Ohhing and Ahhing over this baby girl I’ve wanted for years, I felt completely alone. Sad, so sad. Isolated and hopeless.”

Often, after having a baby we expect to feel joy! Happiness! But the reality may be totally different, something that can take us by surprise. We might be exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, and even resentful.

You are not alone. Together, let’s sort through thoughts and feelings. Let’s put together a routine – one that incorporates and addresses your unique needs.

Anxiety is information. It is telling us that there is an unresolved conflict: either internal, between me and another person, or I am stuck in a relationship triangle. The process of counseling is to help bring to light, label, and resolve these and other conflicts bringing clarity and empowering the individual to make changes in their lives.

Overwhelmed? Recovering from loss? Feeling lost in transition?

Manageable levels of stress can motivate and inspire, however when stress levels become overwhelming, it threatens the health of body, spirit, and mind.

Open up in an empathic, understanding, supportive environment—a safe harbor—to realize empowerment and opportunity in the midst of crushing circumstances.