Why Self-Disclose?

Hello, and welcome to my website. 

If you read through the website you probably noticed that I have disclosed my own struggle with addiction to alcohol.  This was a real stretch for me because I have all of the messages playing in my mind about professionalism and the therapeutic relationship being the client doing all of the self-disclosure, and the therapist maintaining that professional demeanor and not disclosing their own personal journey of struggles or healing.  I’ll be honest, I also have some concerns that you may project your experiences with the alcoholic in your life (or your stereotypes of who an alcoholic is), onto me.  I quickly came to the conclusion that I don’t have any control over that.  I have to trust that if you are meant to work with me, you will take the opportunity to meet with me in person before coming to any conclusions about who I am based on this website alone. 

The truth is that I share nothing about my own experiences unless it is pertinent to your counseling and healing process, and would be helpful to you. 

I have the education, licensure, and training that qualify me to serve as your Counselor , but in so many ways that is just the start of what I have to offer you.  I consider myself a lifelong learner.  I bring to you all of the richness of years of continued education and professional training.  I offer you years of having the privilege to work with thousands of individuals in various professional settings and capacities and helping to facilitate and learn from their healing journeys.  l have learned much and continue to learn through experiencing my own humanity, life experiences, shame, and ultimately healing journey that will continue until my life on this earth ends and I go home.  I bring compassion that can only come from being on your place on the couch.  I bring years of experience in a non-professional capacity of learning from other people’s experiences and giving back to others in recovery.  I also bring a hearts’ desire to walk with you as you experience your own “aha moments,” as you do the work required and as you experience freedom.  I so agree with Maya Angelo’s statement when she says, “I wouldn’t give nothin’ for my journey now!”