Get to Know the Professionals at Full Color Psychology

Welcome!

Taking the step to seek help is one you have not taken lightly. You may be wondering how therapy can help, but more specifically how I can help.

My Background: I completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2010 and have worked in several settings: private practice, juvenile justice settings, veterans hospital, and a university counseling center. I have experience with psychological assessment and with training therapists. I am also a professor at Utah Valley University with a training program for Clinical Mental Health Counselors. My research interests have included therapy itself, what makes it effective, and what can make it more effective.

Therapy: In therapy, I work especially well with people who experience anxiety, especially OCD or perfectionism. I work well with people who are experiencing depression or emotional difficulties around stressors and adjustments. I have significant experience working with individuals around LGBTQ+ concerns, a faith crisis or transition, or with trauma recovery. My approach to therapy is Common Factors Therapy, with emphasis on elements from Client-Centered Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Mindfulness, self-compassion, and relaxation strategies are important in my work.

Therapy with me tends to begin with being very open and supportive, with me focused on understanding concerns. My clients and students typically describe my manner as warm, gentle, and caring. We as humans need to be heard and it is important to me that my clients feel understood by me. Emotions are welcome. I aim to help in clarifying what my clients want from therapy and in their lives, then tailor treatment accordingly.  

Therapy with me is practical as well as focused on evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be most effective. I also aim to be responsive to concerns my clients may have as therapy progresses, ensuring that we are working in the direction that is most helpful for them.

Me: I’m human, foibles included. I grew up mainly in Arizona and have lived in 7 different states or countries. My interests might be considered introvert hobbies: reading, music (preferably reading and music at the same time), running or other time outside. Yes, I enjoy reading books about psychology. I spend more time than is probably healthy following the beautiful game (soccer, or football, depending on how you like to call it) among other sports.