My Approach

At Wayfinder Recovery, I blend science, compassion, and lived experience to support recovery in all its forms. There’s no one-size-fits-all path. That’s why I use a variety of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered models to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you're working toward abstinence, safer use, mental wellness, or simply a more stable and fulfilling life. I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity, respect, and zero judgment.

🌀 Trauma-Informed Care

Safety and trust are the foundation of any healing process. I recognize how trauma (especially chronic, early, or relational trauma) can shape thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and nervous system responses. I strive to create a space that is empowering, non-coercive, and never re-traumatizing.

🤝 Peer Support Philosophy

Peer support isn’t just a job for me, it’s personal. I’ve walked through the chaos of addiction, the confusion of misdiagnosis, the hopelessness of psychiatric hospitalizations, and the long, messy, nonlinear road of trauma recovery. I know what it’s like to feel broken, misunderstood, and written off by systems that are supposed to help. I also know what it’s like to rebuild - slowly, painfully, and imperfectly - with support that felt real, respectful, and human.

As a trained and certified peer professional with over a decade of experience, I combine professional skills with hard-won insight. I don’t come from a place of authority. I come from a place of shared humanity. Peer support means I hold space without judgment, offer radical empathy, and believe in your ability to grow, even if you’ve been told otherwise. It’s about meeting you where you are, listening deeply, and walking beside you, not ahead of you, as you find your own way forward.

Lived experience isn’t a credential you can earn in school. It’s earned in survival. And when used with intention, it becomes a powerful force for healing. My role is to show you that you are not alone, and that recovery - in whatever form feels true to you - is possible.

🧠 Polyvagal/Nervous System-Informed Work

When you're constantly in survival mode, it’s hard to think clearly or make meaningful changes. I help clients recognize their nervous system responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and develop tools to regulate, reset, and build resilience. Understanding your biology is key to healing, not a barrier to it.

🗣️ Motivational Interviewing (MI)

I won’t tell you what to do. I’ll help you explore your values, motivations, and goals so change can come from within. MI is a collaborative, non-judgmental style of communication that helps people move through ambivalence and tap into their own internal drive for change.

💛 Humanistic Approach

I view every person as capable, whole, and worthy of care. You are the expert on your life. My role is to offer empathy, support, and perspective, not prescriptions. This relational, human-first philosophy is at the heart of everything I do.

🧠 CBT, DBT & REBT-Informed Tools

When helpful, I incorporate tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to support emotional regulation, reframe negative thinking, and reduce harmful patterns. These tools are adapted for real-life use.

🔄 Stages of Change Model

Recovery is not linear. I honor each stage of change, whether you're just starting to think about it, actively working toward it, or maintaining progress. I never shame clients for "slipping" or struggling. Every part of the journey matters.

💪 Strengths-Based Approach

Rather than focusing on deficits or diagnoses, I help you identify and build on what’s already working. We uncover your strengths, values, and resources and use those as fuel for growth.

👨‍👩‍👧 CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)

For loved ones supporting someone in active use, I use CRAFT. CRAFT is a respectful, research-backed method to improve communication, reduce conflict, and reinforce healthier behaviors. Families deserve support too.

❤️ Harm Reduction

Recovery doesn’t require abstinence. I support all positive change - from safer use to full sobriety. Harm reduction respects autonomy, reduces risk, and saves lives. It’s about dignity, safety, and meeting people exactly where they are.

🔗 Integrative & Collaborative Care

I believe recovery is best supported with a holistic approach. That’s why I collaborate with clinicians, family members, and other supports (with your consent) to build a team around you. I also support lifestyle and wellness strategies: including rest, nourishment, boundaries, creativity, and joy.

Want to Learn More?

Let’s talk about what approach would be most helpful for you or your loved one.
Call or text anytime (845)581-0071