I’ve walked this road myself.

How I work with clients

Most of my sessions are by telehealth, so you can meet with me from home, work or anywhere private. As a Texas LCDC, I can see clients anywhere in Texas.

I also offer in-person sessions in the Dallas area for clients who prefer to meet face to face.

As a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), I also provide the evaluations employees need before returning to work after a failed or refused drug or alcohol test. Learn about SAP evaluations.

What my credentials mean

LCDC: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

My Texas state license to assess and treat drug and alcohol problems.

ADC: Alcohol & Drug Counselor (and ICADC)

A certification from the Texas Certification Board, a member of the IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium). It meets IC&RC’s international standards, so I also hold the International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) credential, which is recognized internationally.ADC and ICADC certificate #50260-0625, valid through June 24, 2027.

SAP: Substance Abuse Professional

A qualification from the U.S. Department of Transportation. People in safety-sensitive jobs, like truck drivers and pilots, must be evaluated by a SAP after a failed or refused drug or alcohol test before they can return to work.SAP certificate #26130126, qualified through January 26, 2029. Certified Addiction Professional #9666.

My story

I have always been sensitive to other people’s pain and wanted to help. That resulted in years of codependency and, later, addiction. Thirty years ago, when I walked into my therapist’s office, I had no idea of the journey that awaited me, or that it would give me the ability to help others.

I first discovered the effects of alcohol in my early teens. It was my solution for depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. When I drank, I didn’t care what you thought of me, and I was “my best self,” or at least I thought so. By 23, I was married to my second alcoholic husband, and by 27 I had three kids. With both of us in active addiction, my suffering progressed rapidly until depression and our family’s dysfunction drove me to the brink. I reached out for help.

My husband and I both went to treatment, and our new lives in sobriety began. It took a lot of outside help to heal the dysfunction addiction had caused in our relationship and our family. We were willing to follow suggestions and try new things. We learned how to have a healthy relationship with each other and with our now-adult children.

I have spent countless hours training to be an effective counselor, and I take part in continuing education regularly. But I believe it is my personal experience that gives me a high level of empathy and understanding, both for the person suffering from addiction and for their family.

My approach

I use several different approaches and adjust them to each client’s needs. I believe people have the answers they seek within themselves, and when the right questions are asked, they find them.

I believe every coping skill you have, you needed at the time you developed it. I am positive and affirming, and I honor all your coping skills, even the ones that are no longer helpful. Together we will identify and change the ones that aren’t serving you today.

I am a good listener, but I also provide direction. I believe I have a responsibility to tell you what I see, even if it’s hard to hear, and I will respect you if you don’t agree.

It takes action to create change. The challenge is figuring out what action you need to take to create the change you want. I can help you identify that change, and if I’m not the right fit for you, I will help you find the person who is.

Everyone is welcome

I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender and nonbinary clients. You will be met with respect and without judgment.