I feel like I have been a therapist all of my life...

I come from a very colorful family and can remember as a child feeling the need to "counsel" others. Maybe I was born to the profession since I have been doing it forever and have no plans to retire...ever.  

 

I was a school counselor and guidance director for thirty years in various high schools in the Columbia area.  This included a great deal of therapeutic work with students and families. As a result, I developed an in-school suspension program that allowed kids to stay in school while dealing with their issues therapeutically.

 

I also worked as a contract therapist for fifteen years with the Pre-Trial Intervention program in Lexington County. Part of this work involved doing group therapy work with first time offenders as an alternative to incarceration.

 

During the 1980s, I received formal training in marriage and family therapy, became licensed in South Carolina and started an evening practice.  All in all, I have been involved with individuals, couples and families for over forty years.  I have found my work to be tremendously rewarding as I have had the privilege to bear witness to countless life transformations.

 

My work with high school students and their families, private practice work with individuals, couples and families has led me to a keen interest in conflict resolution and how it can be integrated into my practice. In 2006 I became a Certified Family Court Mediator in South Carolina and added mediations to the services I provide.  

 

I have found that mediation is an excellent method of resolving issues in a way that benefits all parties because they are active participants in the outcome. It is my experience that therapy and alternative dispute resolution bring about lasting solutions and agreements in which all parties can participate in the outcome. 

 

In 2013 I became a Certified Hypnotherapist and in 2015 I added Emotional Freedom Techiques (EFT) to the menu of services I provide.

 

In addition to my professional life, I have a wonderful family - two adult children and two absolutely precious grandchildren. Except for cooking, I never really had a hobby until recently...and now I have two: scrapbooking and jewelry design. At long last my creative needs have been met!

 

Last, but certainly not least, I am a Southerner, born and bred. I have lived in Columbia my entire life and love all things Southern - even the summer heat that we must embrace in order to endure. Fun and humor play a very important role in my life...ways to rejuvenate and take care of myself.

 

Give me a call today and let's begin... (803) 787-3130