Originally from Detroit, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University
of Michigan and later (1982) earned my Masters in Counseling at Wayne
State University. When I moved to the San Francisco Bay area (where I
spent the next 20 years) I completed 3,000 hours of supervised experience
in the counseling field, before taking both a written and oral state examination
and receiving my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. In August
of 2004, I relocated to North Carolina and currently have a private counseling/therapy
and coaching practice in the town of Cary.
I have worked with individuals, couples and families in the mental health field for over 20 years and have been licensed and in private practice for almost 10 years. In addition to my practice (counseling and coaching), I have been on the faculty at the University of Phoenix for the past 9 years. I teach courses in both their General Studies and Human Services programs and was honored to be awarded Outstanding Undergraduate Instructor of the Year in April, 2001.
I have always been intrigued by human relationships and what makes them work (and not work). I am passionate about helping people find meaning and fulfillment in their personal lives and in their careers. I have always been, what some would call, a "seeker of the truth" … striving to help individuals, couples and families make sense out of chaos and find, for themselves and to whatever degree, acceptance of themselves and each other, and a more peaceful state of mind and way of being/living in the world.
I believe that within each of us lies a gift … something that we are meant to share with one another … sometimes our "gifts" are hidden beneath layers of uncertainty and self-doubt … but once unveiled, the differences in our lives can be, and most often are, profound. Part of what I do is help people sift through the debris (often referred to as our "baggage" ) and find the gold … the part of them that, when encouraged and allowed expression, really shines.
I am most often described, by friends, students, and clients, as warm, fun, caring and "real" and I bring this "real" self to the counseling and coaching environment. I have known some of my clients for many years, counseling them and sometimes their family members at different stages in their lives and supporting them through significant life events. I have attended weddings … and funerals … I have laughed with clients and sometimes, cried with them … I have watched couples reconcile … and I have watched some couples break apart … I have witnessed agonizing sorrow, but also great happiness and magnificent success.
I'm glad you decided to visit my website. On the following pages, I talk about my counseling and coaching services. I also have an "Articles and Information" section (see main menu) with some interesting materials, including self-tests/assessments. If you have any questions about any of the information or would like to talk with me about scheduling a session, please e-mail me. I look forward to hearing from you …
Sara
