Being human can be hard.   At the end of the day, no matter where you go or what you do, there you are!  This is what is meant by the term “existential crisis”.  “What does my existence mean, what do I mean, what is my worth, who am I, and what is my purpose” are some questions that most people think or feel at one point or another in their lives.  The problem is, these questions are scary to look at because the answers aren’t always linear and don’t make sense to our thinking brain.  So we tend to just go about our daily lives and ignore the deeper semi-conscious fears and feelings.  When we are in the habit of tuning out and not paying attention to our deeper selves, it usually leads to some sort of unhealthy behavior ranging from addictions to affairs to of course, anxiety and depression.  If you are feeling stuck in an unhealthy or self-sabotaging pattern there is a way out, and you have taken the first step in that journey! 

I’m passionate about helping others in this process to transform adversity, illness, trauma, heartbreak, loss, disappointment, and disillusionment into growth, self-awareness, acceptance, spiritual awakening, and self-love. It may not always feel like it at the time, but pain and adversity can be powerful catalysts for growth and psycho-spiritual development if approached from a place of self-love and acceptance, with tenderness, compassion and curiosity.  I am excited to help you on this path.

After studying theology at Fuller Seminary and then graduating magna cum laude, with  a master’s degree in mental health counseling at Bethel Seminary in San Diego, I had the opportunity to study shamanism with a Peruvian shaman in the Andes of Peru. My time in Peru was one of the most magical and profound experiences in my life. The Shaman taught me that his ancestors believed that the Andean condor was the highest flying bird on the planet and as they would watch it fly high into the heavens and disappear behind the clouds, they believed that it could fly into the realms of the gods. They also believed that the condor had the lightest heart, meaning that having a light heart (and not carrying around heavy dense energy or what we may refer to as “emotional baggage”) enabled it to connect to the Divine and experience the joys and magic of the heavenly realms. According to Shamanic wisdom, heaven and hell are just a state of mind! So, you too can experience “heaven on earth” when your heart is light and free of turmoil.  In this state, we are free to soar to great heights and gain a bird’s eye perspective on things that might otherwise overtake us or have us feel as if we are trapped in the weeds. Through the blending of modern-day therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR, with neuroscientific research and ancient wisdom, we are able to transcend our limitations and awaken to fulfill our highest potential.

Prior to my studies in seminary and Peru, I spent over 16 years working doing clinical research in the field of neuroscience, as well as oncology. My deep love for psychology, neuroscience, epigenetics, research, magic, travel, spirituality, and ancient traditions has culminated in a deep passion to facilitate lasting transformation in my clients. Truly my greatest joy is to bear witness and hold safe space for you to alchemize your pain and discontent into spiritual gold, and I would be truly honored to work alongside you.

A little bit about me: Growing up in an enchanted town near the Black Forest in Germany, I often marveled at how magical, majestic and healing nature is. Back then and still today, my favorite place to connect to the Divine is in nature, whether that be in a forest in Germany, on the beach in San Diego or in the mountains in Peru! I love to travel, am an avid reader and enjoy spending time with my family and our two dogs!

License, Education & Credentials:

Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC5438
M.A. Mental Health Counseling – Bethel Seminary San Diego – 2018
Theological Studies – Fuller Seminary – 2013
B.A. Psychology – Cal State San Marcos – 2000
Shamanic Studies – 2018
EMDR Therapy Training I & II – 2019
Energy Healing Practitioner – 2016

Published Works:

Drake, A.I., McDonald, E.C., Magnus, N.E., Gray, N. & Gottshall, K. (2006). Utility of Glasgow coma scale-extended in symptom prediction following mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 20(5), 469-475.