Start Here (TCK)

Many people aren't clear on who they are and what they really value in life. Some aren't sure how to respond when someone asks, "Where are you from?" You might bristle whenever people mention "home."

Perhaps you are lonely because you recently moved and don't know anyone yet. Perhaps you have moved so much in your lifetime already, that you feel reluctant to let anyone else in because they'll move or you'll move, so why even bother?

Do you look like you belong (to those around you), but feel isolated because you really grew up somewhere else, you feel overwhelmed (or irritated) by the expansive cereal aisle in supermarket, and feel paralyzed by the unspoken rules of American society (for instance, are you avoiding getting a hair cut because you don't know whether or how much to tip?).

Maybe you were born elsewhere, but raised here (but your parents were raised "there"). Maybe "us" and "them" fell in love and from their relationship came "you" (and your parents often suffer from cultural misunderstandings that are all too apparent to you and yet, not so clear to them). Maybe your extended family members don't even speak the same language making resolving conflict in your family that much harder.

Perhaps you're a local (born and raised), but you've never felt at home here.

Maybe you're clinging to the idea that this world is not our home and you're just waiting for the day that you come into the heavenly country to which you owe allegiance all the while longing to talk to someone who will understand.

I help Christian workers, global nomads, and others with complex cultural identities to clarify who they are and what they value, build healthy relationships, and live more intentionally.

I come from a multiethnic, bicultural background. My parents came from very different families, cultural, and social contexts. I grew up in an environment that encouraged reflection on personal and communal experiences and how these might be similar and different from those around me. I sought out experiences that would give me greater exposure. I've lived and studied in places that stretched me.

My education emphasized global awareness, intercultural communication, and the many layers that make up personal and communal identities. My training taught me to be open to experiencing people as they are--really listening and through empathy and thoughtful examination of my own thoughts and emotions in the therapeutic conversation, asking questions meant to open up conversation and to help you to clarify who you are, what you value, and how you want to live your life rather than close down conversation, assuming that I know what's going on (without really talking to you) and then telling you how to fix it. While I strive to share practical information at just the right moments, I also assume that the therapeutic process is something that we do together. I leave room for the growth and discovery process that arises naturally as we explore openly together.

The work I do with clients is slow and patient. We'll lean into nuance and complexity. We take into account all of your values (even if some might seemingly conflict with others within yourself).

Do you have itchy feet? Can't settle down? Constantly looking forward to the next move? We'll talk about that. Explore how it impacts you and your relationships. Consider what options you have to address this and whether you'd want to pursue any of them.

Are you discerning your vocation? Is it hard to make that commitment and move forward? We'll discuss what might make the commitment difficult, identify next steps, and work through what might be preventing you from pursuing your call wholeheartedly. If you have more than one option, we'll consider them together and explore your best path forward.

Are you struggling in your relationships (or maybe in just that one)? We'll look at what factors might be making things harder and identify how you'd want your relationship(s) to be different and what next steps are possible. If taking those next steps are difficult, we'll explore why.

I believe in the importance of and the effectiveness of a good therapeutic relationship for healing, growth, and transformation. If you think we might be a good fit for each other, I'd encourage you to reach out.