Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

Since childhood, I have been interested in differences among people. I repeatedly noticed conflicts among people that seemed rooted in their differences. I made friends with people who were different from me in various ways and obtained an inside view of differences among people as well as feelings that people share despite their differences. In addition to my early attention to individual differences, I personally learned to know several people in my adolescence who were struggling emotionally. I wanted to understand people better. I remember feeling a strong sense that I wanted to help reduce the emotional pain in the world. I read a number of psychology books during my adolescence, which inspired my desire to learn more about people's struggles and ways to try to help.

What I want my patients to know about me:

I believe that people can change. I hope that the people I work with will embrace hope regarding their capacity to change. Enduring change may involve many small decisions and steps over years of time. Working toward enduring change can also include apparent setbacks, which I believe are part of the process for growth and change. I encourage clients to think about the person they have become and to try to understand the influential factors. I further encourage clients to reflect daily on their values and the person they want to be or become in their relationships, vocation, physical health, emotional well-being, and various other domains of their lives. Sometimes clarifying personal values and envisioning who the person wants to become gives clarity to many everyday decisions. I also encourage clients to think carefully about the people and other resources that may be needed as they take care of themselves and work toward desired outcomes and goals.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

I enjoy spending quality time with my family every week via visits, phone, or e-mail. I help a family member take care of cats. I enjoy reading psychology journals, self-help books, autobiographies, and inspirational fiction. I regularly listen to inspirational music and I like to watch inspirational movies. I enjoy spending time with friends and engaging in community events. I also enjoy working outdoors in the garden or yard.