Specialties & Special Interests

Pet Loss & Bereavement Recovery

There is a reason why dogs have the nickname man's best friend. The bond between a person and their pet can be just as strong as any human relationship.

For this reason, the loss of a pet is an often undervalued and yet terrible pain which every pet-owner experiences. Feelings of guilt, deep sadness, emptiness, anger, and hopelessness can be become difficult to navigate after our loved one's passing.

This bond can also be used within therapy to help you achieve the growth you are looking for. I have specialized training to implement therapeutic practices between you and your pet for lasting growth. *Animals must be approved to join therapy.*

Specialized training and experience I have for Pet Loss and Bereavement recovery:

Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) trained
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Member
Human-Animal Interaction: Section 13 of Division 17 of the American Psychological Association Member
Animal-Assisted Therapy Trained
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Therapy Pet Unlimited Evaluator
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Member
International Association of Canine Professionals Member
Exotic Animal Training and Management Graduate
Animal Emergency Veterinary office experience
Zoo experience
Avid animal lover

Compassion Fatigue / Burn -out Recovery

People get into working with animals and/or helping professions because they care. Sometimes, especially recently, this passion can drive us to the brink of extinction. Excessive tiredness, callousness, guilt, irritability, wariness, depression, and/or a sense of doom can consume us. Symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance can be just as severe as any war veteran's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have many years of experience working in animal care positions such as in a zoo, critical animal emergency veterinary office, and animal trainer. I also have experience as a therapist in underprivileged communities, rehabs, and private practice. I know the struggle, I know the pain, I know the silent suffering that can spill out onto your loved ones. I know what it is like to doubt yourself, your abilities, and whether or not "all of it" even matters. I can help you get back to being the person you want to be with a new sense of Compassion Satisfaction.

Specialized training and experience I have for Compassion Fatigue:

Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Currently the leading treatment related to Trauma).
SafeTALK trained
EMDR Therapy for Suicidal Clients, Self-harming behaviors and Borderline Personality training
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Member
Human-Animal Interaction: Section 13 of Division 17 of the American Psychological Association Member
Animal-Assisted Therapy Trained
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Therapy Pet Unlimited Evaluator
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Member
International Association of Canine Professionals Member
Exotic Animal Training and Management Graduate
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) trained
Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) trained
Animal Emergency Veterinary staff
Zookeeping experience
Intensive Out-Patient Services Therapist for transitional age youth and adults (Field therapist)
Residential addiction center staff predominantly serving mandated, homeless, and those unable to pay for services.

Trauma Recovery

As we write the story of our life it is common to experience events which rock us to our core. These events can range from seemingly small to insurmountably huge. When experiences negatively affect the way we view ourselves, our lives, and/or our view of the world, it can lead us to feel unhappy and unfulfilled. Your experiences can not break you. I can help you feel whole and worthy again.

Specialized training I have for traumatic experiences:

Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Currently the leading treatment related to Trauma).
SafeTALK trained
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention trained
Abortion, Grief and Loss trained
Implicit Bias training
Association for Multicultural Counseling Development Member
EMDR Therapy for Suicidal Clients, Self-harming behaviors and Borderline Personality training
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) trained
Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) trained

Addiction Recovery

Addiction does not discriminate between class, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, or gender. It is a phenomenon that can tear families apart and divide the very person it is consuming. My family, as many families, have been touched by addiction making this struggle very important to me. I do not point fingers or cast judgement. Instead, I attempt to help you regain and recreate the person you want to be with new found strengths, skills, and meaning.

Specialized training I have for Addiction:

DeTur: Urge Reduction Protocol in dealing with addictions and dysfunctional behaviors
The Big Book trained
12 step programs savvy
Dual-Diagnosis trained
Experience working in multiple rehabilitation centers
Experience collaborating therapeutic efforts between parole officers, lawyers, court officers, social workers, sponsors, and the like.

Special Interests!

Here is a list of some of my special interests!