Ever since I could remember, I’ve been fascinated by psychology and finance. I was reading books on both topics since a very young age.

So it makes sense to me that my career has focused on these two worlds. Starting in the world of finance and transitioning to being a licensed mental health therapist.

When I was a financial planner, I’d sit with married couples who would get into big fights in my office. As our relationship with each other grew, I eventually asked them, “Why here? Why are these fights/conversations occurring in my office?”

Inevitably, they would respond with, “Well, it’s not safe to have this conversation at home. We’d end up in a bigger fight.”

“That makes sense. I understand sometimes it feels safer to discuss certain topics with a mediator present. . . . But why not in your therapist’s office?” I asked.

“Oh, no, we couldn’t do that. Our marriage counselor knows nothing about money. They wouldn’t be able to help us. ”

In which, I would kindly and lovingly say, “I see your point; however, I don’t believe you’re fighting about money.”

“Oh, of course we are. We definitely are. We for sure are. . . . ” Awkward silence ensues, as they look at me like a deer in the headlights.

What else could it possibly be? crosses their minds, but they can’t seem to find the words to ask the question out loud.

“Perhaps. But, I think there’s a possibility you’re fighting about identity, self worth, sense of self (or lack of) and insecurities. Fighting about not feeling seen or heard by each other. Likely, your fights are coming from a place of old, unresolved woundings that are getting placed onto money. I don’t believe it’s money you’re actually fighting about.”

“Huh. I’d never thought about that. I don’t know what you mean.”

And so we’d dig in.

It was witnessing the vulnerability, rawness, and honesty of my financial planning clients that reconnected me with my heart for psychology and the intersection with money.

At this point in my story, I had no choice – I had to go back to school to study and get a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology and become a therapist. I wanted to walk with people through the precarious intersection of psychology and money.

Over a decade later, I am a licensed mental health therapist and consultant, helping people understand their relationship with money and conflict around money with loved ones.

This work makes me feel alive. I get so excited about it, it keeps me up at night. This is my jam!!

My hope is that studying this intersection and sharing what I’ve learned and experienced, can help others in their own healing with money – that this conversation can lead to deeper connection to self and others.

So my heart is for healing. For all of us.

When we fight about money, if we can bear to press pause and explore what we’re actually angry or frustrated about, it’s an opportunity to learn about ourselves and our loved ones.

It’s an invitation for deeper personal healing, as well as more intimacy and connection with our spouses or partners.

This is an area I have worked hard to heal in my own life and spent countless hours studying.

Welcome to the intersection of psychology and money.  I’m looking forward to journeying with you.