Nancy experienced the following symptoms:
- Blushing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty thinking/concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Fear of initiating and maintaining conversations
- Fear of small, confined spaces (claustrophobia)
- Fear of what others think of me
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Hot flashes
- Irritability, on edge
- Muscle tension, stiffness, pain
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Panic
- Shortness of breath
- Social anxiety
- Startle response
Biography:
Nancy knows what it’s like
to be caught in the grip of anxiety. She experienced many of
the symptoms commonly associated with anxiety, such as racing
heart, heart palpitations, labored breathing, hot flashes, muscle
tension, panic, nausea, weak legs, difficulty concentrating,
irritability, and fear of confined spaces and feeling trapped
(claustrophobia). She also experienced many of the symptoms associated
with social anxiety, such as fear of initiating and maintaining
conversations, participating in small groups, and attending social
gatherings. The resulting tension and self-consciousness led
to years of unhelpful attempts to self-calm.
If dealing with anxiety disorder wasn’t enough, Nancy
also knows the stress and panic that can develop because of
a life-threatening illness. In 1996, Nancy was diagnosed with
cancer. As she underwent rigorous radiation treatments, in
addition to dealing with her fears and panic, Nancy had to
come to terms with her mortality. She realized that even her
very existence was in question. The anxiety and fears associated
with a potentially life-threatening illness were severe. Fortunately,
Nancy beat her cancer. In the process of her great struggle,
Nancy also conquered her anxiety.
Today, Nancy is a healthy, caring person who truly understands
the challenges life can bring. She knows that life brings waves
and seasons of joy, hardship, and even tragedies. Because of
her personal and professional experiences, Nancy has helped many
people successfully navigate life events over her more than thirty
years in the mental health field.
Nancy has a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University
in Flagstaff, Arizona, a Master’s degree from Western Conservative
Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and all but her dissertation
toward a Ph.D. at that same institution. Nancy is also a trained
life coach, having been trained through the Institute for Life
Coach Training and Therapist University.
In addition to her professional training, Nancy has gained valuable
experience while working in a variety of mental health settings,
including an inpatient Christian Therapy Program, private outpatient
practice, and a Christian group practice in Phoenix, Arizona.
She has counseled with countless clients, including adults, adolescents,
couples, and families. She supervised emerging counselors who
were working on completion of a Master’s degree, and counselors
working on independent licensure.
In addition to these experiences, Nancy has taught in the areas
of counseling, psychology, and sociology for over thirteen years
at the college and seminary levels. She treasures the relationships
with a diverse group of people built over that time, especially
her time at American Indian College, a faith-based institution
in Phoenix, Arizona. Enjoying cross-cultural relationships are
one of her passions in life! Nancy has also been a consultant
for a company that provides behavioral health services for the
seriously mentally ill in Phoenix, Arizona.
Nancy’s positive therapeutic influence on others speaks
of her ability to form a warm, respectful, collaborative alliance
with clients. She is a focused listener and an effective educator,
tools that are helpful both in a personal coaching session and
in the classroom. Nancy sees her calling as one whom caringly
and effectively equips and encourages others, to help them live
happy, successful, and fulfilling lives.
Nancy lives in Kirkland, Washington with her husband of twenty-five
years. They have two recently “out of the nest” daughters.
Nancy and her husband attend the Neighborhood Church.
|
