I’ve been a hairdresser since I was 15 years old. Over the years I’ve learned to listen as people have poured their hearts out to me while also having the privilege of helping them feel better about their physical appearance. As more and more people started saying that their hair appointments were like therapy sessions, I considered becoming a counselor. Education is very important in my family, so after homeschooling our three kids and getting them all off to college and adult life, it was now my turn. I had heard so many stories of divorce, abandonment, abuse and pain that I wanted to know how I could help people, especially married couples and couples contemplating marriage.

 

I earned a Master’s Degree in counseling and then went on to complete a PhD in counseling. Though I have to say that my real training has come from being married to a great man for nearly 45 years. It has not been an easy road- we are both high maintenance! But it has been worth all the work we have put into our relationship. We read books together, counsel other couples together, go to workshops and conferences, and do everything we can to keep our relationship on the right track. My children have also been a training ground for me. They have experienced struggles in their relationships and, as a mom, that’s really hard to watch. I wanted to know why these things happen, so I have spent much time studying, researching and praying for my own children and coming to some conclusions about certain aspects of relationships. And now all my children are parents! (Yay! Grandchildren are wonderful!). Parenting adds yet another dynamic to relationships.

 

My own personal life struggles and triumphs have played a huge part in the molding of my philosophy, and my heart’s desire is for couples contemplating marriage to choose carefully and then have a toolbox full of useful tools to build a strong marriage. And for married couples to realize that it’s a lifelong journey that takes work and how to accomplish that. And that without God it will be nearly impossible to build lasting love. He designed marriage for our enjoyment and pleasure and to bring honor to Him. A marriage without God will be weak- “A cord of three strands is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12. So, with all this education and life training I am here to help you learn to enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts- the gift of a loving and thriving marriage.  

 

 

If you want to know more about my qualifications and credentials or if you’re having trouble falling asleep, read further:

 

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion, Bethany Divinity College and Seminary, Dothan, Alabama

• Master of Arts Degree in Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia

• Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Christian Counseling, Bethany Divinity College and Seminary

• Graduate, Light University- Caring for People God’s Way, Marriage Works, Addictions and Recovery, Professional Life Coaching, Attachments

• AACC Certified Professional Life Coach

• Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

• Member of the International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA)

• Trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy Levels I, II, and III

• Certified Gottman Trainer in the “Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” workshops 

• John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Coach

• Private Practice in Safety Harbor, Florida

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