Where are you from? I was born in a little town- Salmon, Idaho, however, I grew up in a couple of different places, mainly Challis, Idaho and Rexburg, Idaho.
Why did you become a counselor? That is a loaded question! I will go with the short answer. I know how satisfying, happy, and fulfilling life can be. I realized at a young age that helping others was something I was good at and enjoyed, so this came naturally for me.
What is your philosophy to healing? I believe every person has the ability to heal within them. I also think that there are times in our lives that become more than we can handle alone and we need someone to help us find those answers. That’s counseling! This quote says a lot to my thoughts on this topic, “A healer is not someone that you go to for healing, a healer is someone that triggers within you your own ability to heal yourself.” -Unknown
How do you define self-care? Important! Self-care is so important. We often are so busy helping and caring for others, that we forget to care for ourselves. It is like giving out of a water bucket. Everyone needs water from us, and we want to help, so we keep giving until there is nothing left to give, but we keep trying anyway and we wonder why we feel stressed, anxious, and upset. If we take time to care for ourselves, or refill our bucket, we can continue to be a benefit to those important to us while feeling good ourselves.
Why do you think so many people are uncomfortable asking for help? Our society holds personal strength and independence in high regard. When we need help, if we ask, many see it as showing a sign of weakness. There are times we would rather suffer in pain than be seen by others as weak, when in fact, those that ask for help are acting in courage.
What is your go-to self-care ‘tool’ or ‘practice’? I would like to say something about going to the spa, that sounds relaxing and self-care-like! However, in truth, my husband is my go-to. After spending time with him I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the next thing.
What do you do for fun? Besides spending time with my husband, spending time with my kids is so fun! We love to do things from traveling together, to just hanging out. If no one is around I love to read, read, and read some more.
What are your favorite books? There are so many! After thinking about my top few, they all seem to surround self-empowerment through hard times. Vikor Frankl’s Man Search for Meaning is one of those. Sometimes I get to a place where my brain doesn’t want to learn anymore, so when I am not reading books that surround psychological things, I like books that have no learning to them, but still a bit of psychological mystery, and naturally, some romance.
What is your favorite book to recommend? Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.
What is your favorite quote or mantra and why? “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” –Lao Tzu. Cliché, yet so true in this work. The progress may be small and slow, but it is still progress moving you toward your goal. “People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.’ I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” –Carl Rogers. Love people for who they are. Do not judge them, accept them and don’t try to change and control them.
What is your favorite meal to cook? Oh, gosh…This is supposed to be an easy question. The fact of the matter is…I like to cook a lot of things so I don’t have a favorite meal to cook. I don’t like the monotony of daily cooking, but I do like to make meals for my family as well as bake for them. Oh, and my favorite thing to eat is fish when it is cooked right.
Is there anything else we should know about you? I like food and treats…too much. I love to laugh! My family brings me true joy. I love people and getting to know them and their stories.