The road to my career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner has somewhat odd beginnings…
But these beginnings informed my approach to therapy.
Art by Bethany Garrison
Curiosity has informed the way I practice. I believe in a “yes, and…” approach that allows you to explore without judgement. As your therapist, it is more impactful for me to help you heal than it is to “fix” you. The truth is that there aren’t easy fixes, but a commitment to the hard work of healing has proven to be a more effective method of treatment for my clients. I don’t have all of the answers, but the answers often reveal themselves as we collaborate to uncover more about who and what you are.
While I may have the tools to guide you through your exploration, I’m also on the same journey. I, too, engage in weekly therapy and mentorship, and have for years. I have found it remarkably healing and enriching. I am of better service to my clients when I also prioritize my mental health.
My practice is open to people of all identities, socio-political affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses. I operate with an understanding that our differences must be acknowledged and celebrated, especially in an environment that requires intense vulnerability. While it isn’t your responsibility to teach me, I am open to learning and hope, in turn, that increased understanding will enhance the depth of our relationship.
Think of me as your co-pilot on life's turbulent expedition.
Visit my Psychology Today profile for more information about my specialties, qualifications, and credidations.
Service and curiosity have been consistent themes in my career. From my experience in the U.S. Coast Guard to my 10+ years in nursing (ER and ICU), international mission service, mental health professorship, and now my practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I’ve intended to serve my communities with humility, compassion, and curiosity.
After responding to the terror attacks on September 11th, 2001 with the U.S. Coast Guard, I wondered how my peers — and our nation — would respond to such intense trauma. We were afraid, angry, and impulsive — all expected and appropriate responses to trauma. I wanted to learn how to manage those responses in order to heal, or at least intentionally move forward.
As an Emergency Room and ICU nurse, I was confronted with a similar, existential question: how and why do humans respond to trauma? How do we treat a 35-year-old husband who has instantly lost his wife to complications of an undiscovered cancer? Because he needs treatment, too. In the end, I found that physical ailments often required more clearly defined “fixes'' than the psychosocial ones.
