Three years of my life were spent living in Amman Jordan. During that time, I actually was sent home by my team leader! This was one of the most confusing & challenging events in my life - not just leaving my home in the Middle East, but also experiencing such a traumatic team dynamic. That experience led me into years of anxiety, self doubt, identity confusion, and OCD as I attempted to process what happened. It wasn’t until I found a gifted therapist (years later!), that I began to understand and heal.
Since then, it has been my greatest honor in supporting other individuals and families as they navigate their own trauma from the mission field and return to their own wholeness. Statistically, the mission field has more narcissistic abuse, sex addiction, spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and domestic violence than the average North American family. Not to mention the team conflict, marriage and parenting struggles, loneliness, and more. Yet missionaries have a profound capacity to heal, love, receive love and prosper - when given the chance to be heard and unfold into their true self.
Some of my work with missionaries has involved traveling to other countries, as well as co-ordinating self care retreats for American women living internationally. Some of the places I’ve traveled to counsel and host retreats include:
~ Malaysia ~ Papua New Guinea ~ Estonia ~ Philippines ~ Italy ~ Jordan ~ Tunisia ~ Uganda ~ Ghana ~ Canada ~
Other work with missionaries has occurred electronically via zoom. I offer virtual appointments for adults and children. I have worked with individuals & families virtually from Thailand to Australia and found that virtual sessions can be just life-changing as face-to-face work!
I support clients with:
✨ Anxiety, OCD & Depression
✨ Trauma healing
✨ Self-worth, identity & life transitions
✨ Spiritual abuse and religious trauma
✨ Narcissistic abuse
✨ Parenting Support for Third Culture Kids (TCKs)
Support for Kids & Teens - Online or In Person
✨ Synergetic Play Therapy
✨ Art Therapy
✨ Online Sand Tray Therapy (yes! Its a thing!)
Modaliites I Use
✨ Brainspotting
✨ EMDR
✨ Parts Work
✨ Somatic/Body Work
✨ Thought Field Therapy (Tapping)
✨ Sand Tray
✨ Dream Work
(All of these can be done in person or virtually. )
Disclosure: I have stepped away from Christianity and developed my own relationship with the divine. That said, I seek to support each client where they are - supporting those who keep their faith and supporting those who choose to step away.
** All of my work with clients is completely confidential. I will not talk with your church, your teammates, or your mission agency. (Unless you request this for your own benefit.)