Therapist Background

I grew up in Switzerland and started my career as a teacher, completing my B.A. in Education in 1988. I loved teaching in various settings, yet felt that I was especially interested in working with small groups. I realized that every student had something wonderful to offer. In 1992, I moved permanently to the United States and decided to return to graduate school in 1999 to become a therapist. I realized that my multicultural perspective actually became an asset in the therapy room, as I was able to see every person as their own cultural system. I believe each of us has a unique and interesting perspective and deserves to return to an authentic expression of Self.

I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech in 2005.

From 2005 until present, I worked in private practice, focusing on holistic care for clients. I completed my Certificate as a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant through AFPA in 2006, realizing how important healthy eating and healthy excercise is to well-being. I also received additional training in resolving sexual, emotional, and physical trauma through body-mind approaches to healing. I’m trained in EMDR and am certified as an IFS therapist, having competed level III in 2012. A special interest to me is our brain and how recent discoveries in neuroscience help psychotherapists be more effective in their client care.

I practice the principles of gratitude, self-compassion and active inner work that I promote in my work with clients. I am divorced, happily re-partnered, a survivor of breast cancer, and the mother of two adult children. I’ve lost people dear to me and have had to contend with deep grief. Through life’s innate challenges, I’ve personally experienced the inner growth, expansion and joy that comes when we approach every situation with an open mind and heart and are willing to seek support.