Greatness Connection Coaching And Counseling

When we first meet, we will chat, briefly, about the counseling process and find a comfortable way of working together, making sure we are using a pace and style that is right for you.  Then, we begin talking about what brings you to counseling and what challenges you might be facing.  As we move forward with the therapy process, we work together to create a list of reachable goals for your time in therapy, and begin working at a pace that you control. All the way through the process, I choose techniques that will be most likely to help you to move as quickly as possible toward your goalls.  I also encourage you to ask questions or talk about your experience of the therapy from time-to-time, so I can adjust and enhance your success from our work together. I have many tools in my toolkit for working with different clients incuding (but not limited to) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Self-Psychology, Gestalt Therapy techniques, Visualization, Coping Skills for anxiety and depression, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, The Nurtured Heart Approach for parenting and self-transformation, Mindfulness-based techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Sand Tray, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.  I am always taking further courses to improve my tool kit and techniques.

I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology (1998), and 20 years of continuous experience working with clients of all ages, races, gender identifications & orientations, religions, socioeconomic statuses and walks of life.  I am continuously learning and perfecting new techniques through continuing education.  My pronouns are she/her/hers.  

My rates will depend on whether or not you have insurance that I carry and your financial situation.  If I am on your insurance, then the insurance will set the rate for you.  Please contact me to determine if I am on your insurance carrier.  Self-pay rates are usually $175 per 45-minute session and I do work on a sliding scale if there is a financial need.  During COVID-19 times, I am being very understanding about people's financial situations so don't let the rate keep you from calling.  Please contact me to discuss the options.  I believe everyone should have access to excellent mental health treatment and I work to help make that happen as far as possible.

When I was working with people as a Human Resources Manager on Wall Street, and later in Chicago, IL, I found myself discouraged by having to always choose the Company's side in a situation.  I wanted to be there for the individual employees, but found that my job did not allow me to do so.  After setting up an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the Company, I then realized that I would rather work for the EAP than the Company and I pursued the education to make the move.  That was 20 years ago and I'm so glad I made the switch!  Working for each and every client makes me come alive and feel that I have done something important with my life, each and every day.  I would be happy to be of service to you.

My specialties are anxiety; depression; childhood mental, behavioral, academic and emotional issues; parenting; grief resolution; insomnia; traumas of many kinds; and other mood disorders.  I have worked with children from the age of 3 up, teens, young adults, adults, and geriatric clients.  I also have a lot of experience as a parenting coach for families, helping parents be a positive influence on the life of a child, teen, or young adult who is struggling. My experience is quite varied and lengthy.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about whether I am the right fit for your particular situation. 

My two sons both graduated this year (2020 amid the COVID-19 Pandemic!) and each is very special and unique, following his own path in life.  I am very proud of both of them.  And with them being "launched" in a good direction, I have recently moved from Houston to Boulder, CO and am very excited to become an engaged part of this wonderful community!

My best suggestion when seeking a mental health practitioner is to make sure you feel comfortable with them.  Ask all the questions you want to ask and be choosy.  Look for someone you feel you can be yourself with, and that you feel safe talking to.  They should be non-judgemental toward you and supportive, yet willing to let you know how you can change for the better.  Research shows that over 90% of the success in therapy is based on the relationship you have with the therapist.  Feel free to call me and see if working together is a good fit for you!

I would suggest thinking about what goals you have for your therapy, as this is YOUR time and YOUR life, and a therapist is there to help you make the most of it.  Also, I would suggest you think about what questions you have for the therapist to help you see who is the best fit for you.