About Working with Me
What is this therapy stuff anyway?
Coming for therapy can be exciting and a bit anxiety-producing. You don’t know what to think, what to do, or where to start. You do know you need to heal.
Should you sit forward attentively or lean backward into the pillows? Either way, know it’s okay, and together, we’ll make it alright.
It’s time.
Have you ever kicked butt at work and produced something you were genuinely proud of? Our work together is like that, but it’s way better because it’s your life.
You’ll be poised to become your masterpiece. Ask yourself, “Am I worth the same effort I put into everything else?” Great question, and here’s your answer. YES!
Your healing journey starts now.
The status quo is no longer good enough, so we’ll cultivate a new path for you.
We’ll sit together, whether in person or online. I’ll make space in my heart for your pain as we walk together, forging a new way forward.
It won’t be easy, but it will undoubtedly be enlightening, with the goal of nothing short of life-changing.
Ready? Let’s work!
Tears and laughter.
Therapy with me is not just about tears and heaviness, though there can be some of that as we do our work. Sometimes, it’s about laughing our freakin’ heads off. Stuffed shirt? Fuddy-duddy? Nope, not here.
Therapy is heavy lifting, so I like to make it fun, and I’m not above acting silly sometimes. It’s not just about the destination; I want you to enjoy the journey.
I’ll be laughing with you and possibly teasing you along the way. Don’t worry, it comes with lots-a-luv.
About Me
Mom and the band kept me grounded.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma City. I grew up working in my mother’s daycare centers. I loved watching her talk to people with so much love and care, and she was always smiling. The kids loved her, and their parents loved her even more.
After working at the daycare centers in the mornings, my mom and I would head to Millwood, a school I attended from 6 – 12 grades. She worked there as a counselor.
I had an undiagnosed anxiety disorder back then, struggled with my weight, and often felt out of place.
The one place where I felt connected was in the band. I played the flute and loved to perform in the marching band during halftime at the football games. Every time the movie Drumline comes on, I have to stop and watch it.
Early life motivated me to study psychology.
My mom sparked my interest in psychology. She listened to Dr. Joyce Brothers and read Psychology Today magazines.
As a young doctoral student, I participated in therapy for four years, and I credit my therapist with helping me understand who I was and become the person I am today. I wanted a black female therapist, but I got the opposite.
Ron was a white man; however, he helped me in ways I didn’t anticipate, and I’m sure he didn’t fully realize. He left San Diego soon after we finished our work together. I wish I knew his whereabouts so I could thank him for his help in discovering me. Ron, if you see this, please call me.
Experience, personal and professional, guides my approach.
I have over 35 years of experience helping folks just like you. My warm, comfortable style allows you to feel safe and connected. I like to use humor because laughter feels good, is healing, helps break down barriers, and aids in the learning process.
I remember what Uncle Ray told me when I tried to repay a loan. He refused to accept my money and said, “Pay it forward.” So, like Uncle Ray said, I’m paying it forward. Allow me the pleasure of helping you the way my therapist helped me.
Let’s get personal.
When I got my sister’s call that I would be able to adopt her third-born child, I was overjoyed. I flew to Oklahoma City the day after he was born and flew back to San Diego with him the following day. I’ve told him since birth, “God picked you out for me. Auntie Seiko carried you inside her tummy and brought you into the world so we could be together, but God picked you out for me.”
I named him Chianu, which means “God hears” in Igbo, a southern Nigerian tribe. One day, I decided to write a love story for my son and entitled it, God Picked You Out for Me. He and I collaborated on it; it’s our first published book. I hope this book helps other adoptive families. It’s a great way to start a conversation about adoption.
The cover shows Chianu riding from heaven on a rainbow, and he is my treasure. He plays basketball, and I love to travel around watching his games with the other parents. No one screams as loudly as I do, and I’m okay with that.
