Respectful communication is a central theme in my work, in my life and my greater wish for the world we live in. In 2001, I wrote a book, A World of Respect: A Guide to Making It Happen and have recently completed a second on Respect-Focused Therapy, an academic work for students and clinicians.
I have been a psychotherapist for the last 40 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist and am a clinical supervisor for interns entering the mental health field. I have loved every minute of it and still do, even as I am gradually in the process of retiring.
As I prepare to wind down my career in the mental health field, I am renewing the joy and passion for art I had as a young adult, only now with greater depth and appreciation. As in my work as a therapist, I paint with the same philosophy of respectful intention for everything in and around me, and am inspired by the color, vibrancy and beauty this world has to offer. My art comes from the playful, joyful, and hopeful part of me. Respectfully, I hope it also brings similar hope, joy and pleasure to others.
I am honored to have had the following art affiliations in the Austin area since 2009:
AUSTIN VISUAL ARTS ASSOCIATION
CREATIVE ARTS SOCIETY –Austin, TX
VSA TEXAS – ACCESS AUSTIN GALLERY
MULTICULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM- Austin, TX
REAL ART GALLERY- Austin, TX
AUSTIN ART ALLIANCE
BLANTON ART MUSEUM- Charter Member, Austin TX