Passionate About Helping Others
I was already on two medications to help my mood disorder when the doctor encouraged yet another to help me get it under control. I was experiencing unwanted side effects from two and the thought of a third was overwhelming.
"There has to be something better than this!"
A friend mentioned omega-3 fatty acids as being beneficial for mood so I gave it a try. After several weeks of consistently taking the supplement, my mood began to improve. I no longer needed the third medication and found another supplement to help me whittle down to one medication. Yet, I was still unable to get full remission from the mood disorder.
It was a 2013 New Year's resolution to change lifestyle choices that led to an accidental discovery and "miracle" for me. I began to consistently eat real food, cutting out the junk, and putting good nutrients into my body. I also found an exercise routine that I actually enjoyed and stuck with. By the end of the year, I was medication-free and have maintained better health ever since.
I obtained my master's in counseling in 2012 and lifestyle factors were never a discussion, nor did I pay attention to them when working with clients. After my own healthcare journey, I came to realize physical and mental health are inextricably linked. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2014 and began working in a variety of healthcare settings.
In 2017, I heard about a new field arising called Nutritional Psychology, and quickly enrolled in an online program at JFK University to obtain a certification in Nutritional Psychology. In that program, I learned how lifestyle factors (diet, movement, sleep, etc.) played a major role in one's mental health. I understood then how my lifestyle changes had led to my mental health improving. At the time, I was working as a national behavioral health clinical trainer and utilized the information I learned to create and train healthcare professionals on how lifestyle affects mood.
I discovered Functional Medicine in searching out holistic ways to address health concerns. I wanted to learn more and expand my capacity to help others obtain better health. In 2020, I enrolled in a one-year program to become a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach.
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Currently, I work with individuals in both a coaching setting and in private practice as a License Professional Counselor to help them Live Better.
My heart is to help others discover there is indeed something better than ill health, low energy, poor mood, and sub-optimal quality of life. I am here to walk with you on your journey to live better.