Wendy has been working at Family Guidance and Therapy Center since March of 2020, joining our clinical team at the beginning of a worldwide pandemic. She was quick to jump in and start meeting with clients, especially the young ones who were struggling to transition to distance learning. Wendy’s previous experience working with women and children experiencing trauma was immediately put to the test.
Wendy can be described as eclectic in both personality and clinical work. She brings her lifelong love of learning and nature into sessions and interactions with others. She has a contagious laugh and when coupled with a deep desire to help others heal, one can immediately know that they are in good hands.
Wendy works with children, families, and adults. She enjoys working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Read more about Wendy below!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a San Diego native raised with a love of nature and lifelong learning. I was a Girl Scout and learned to sail on our beautiful San Diego Bay. I love to travel and learn about history. I am owned by several dogs and large parrots (and a husband and grown children).
What inspired you to work as a therapist?
My first career was in early childhood education and administration, mostly with populations facing serious socio-economic hardships. The need for early intervention and support for families with mental health challenges became apparent to me and I began to move towards settings that included healing. Graduate school and licensure were a natural progression towards reaching that goal.
Explain your personal value words and why they are important to you.
I value authenticity, inquisitiveness, and generosity. I believe we strengthen our connection to others by sharing our individual truths, learning from one another, and giving freely from our abundance.
What is unique about your work with clients?
I have an eclectic approach that meets clients where they are and joins clients in a personal journey towards a healthy, productive, satisfying life.
What’s the most challenging and rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is encouraging clients to stretch themselves and hearing about their success as they try new approaches and gain personal satisfaction. I am joyful when clients resolve their challenges through our work and become able to continue that growth independently.
After a long work week, how do you de-stress or unwind?
After a long week at work, I enjoy an early morning walk and a bit of birdwatching with my husband.
What is your favorite saying?
A favorite saying of mine is "Good friends stick with you, like an octopus on your face." In honor of several of my lifelong octopi, I keep an octopus puppet in my office and may offer him to clients who are feeling "stuck" about something or may want a tentacled friend to speak a difficult truth for them.
