My Philosophy
To my counseling practice, I bring 35 years of experience working with clients who come from a variety of backgrounds. For me, the first priority is to establish a supportive and warm relationship of trust. I am a hopeful and deeply relational person, and I usually find it easy to connect with my clients.
With that foundation in a relationship, I try to help promote self-understanding and provide tools for more satisfying personal relationships and personal growth. For practical problem solving, I draw on a variety of educational and insight tools, as well as the resources of faith. I also believe strongly in community resources, and after decades living in Sonoma County, I am familiar with many of these, and will encourage my clients to utilize these resources. My style is interactive, and I enjoy discussing ideas and insights with my clients as appropriate.
“God is very big.” I often find myself saying that to myself. It reflects my profound belief that God is greater than even the most complicated family and personal issues. I often pray for my clients if they want me to. My clients come from a wide variety of beliefs and faith backgrounds, a diversity I appreciate and respect.
Even though I know full well the difficulties and stresses that come into personal, marriage or family life, I believe that most problems and issues can be worked through and many wounds healed with patience and professional therapeutic support.
Professional Experience
Peninsula Bible Church Counseling Intern at Stanford University 1975-77
Daystar University Lecturer, Nairobi, Kenya 1978-81
Amani Counseling Center, Nairobi Kenya 1979-81
Mathari National Mental Hospital, Nairobi Kenya, 1979-81
Christian Counseling Agency, Santa Rosa 1984-86
First Presbyterian Church, Counselor-in-Residence 1986- Present
Over the years I have led workshops and seminars on marriage and family life. My husband and I together have spoken at marriage conferences and retreats. During the junior high and high school years of our children, I was involved with the counseling department of their schools, leading groups as well as meeting with individual students. For eight years I was involved in a church-based sex education course open to the community.
January through April, 2009 I led seminars and offered counseling in Nairobi, Kenya, and Beirut, Lebanon.
Educational Background
B.A., University of Alabama 1972, American Studies
(Queens College, Charlotte, N.C. ‘68-‘70, Stanford University Summer Studies ‘69)
M.A., Santa Clara University 1975, Counseling Psychology
Biographical Information
I was born and raised in Alabama, and became a Christian during my high school and college years. After graduating from the University of Alabama, I moved to California, where I worked in the Stanford University Admissions office while volunteering with Young Life, a Christian ministry to high school students. It was during this period that I decided to pursue counseling. I attended Santa Clara University, where I got my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. I later served for two years as an intern with students through Peninsula Bible Church.
In 1977 I married Tim Stafford , and together we served as missionaries in Nairobi, Kenya for four years. There I was a lecturer at Daystar University, teaching counseling related courses. I helped launch Amani Counseling Center, one of the first such centers in East Africa, and visited patients at the Mathare National Mental Hospital. In 1983 we moved to Santa Rosa, where we raised our three ( now adult) children. During their school years I served as an active volunteer in the counseling offices at Santa Rosa Middle School and Santa Rosa High School, and was also on the board of DAAC (Drug Abuse Alternative Center).
Since 1987 I have served as Counselor- in -Residence at my church, First Presbyterian Santa Rosa. As an elder of the church I have served in the leadership of Stephen Ministry, an interdenominational lay caring ministry, for 17 years. At the church I have led marriage enrichment and parenting groups. I continue in these roles in addition to my work at Christian Counseling Associates, which I began in the fall of 2004.
Professional Affiliations
Christian Association of Psychological Studies
Sonoma County Associates of Christian Counselors
Where I See Clients
I see clients in my office at First Presbyterian Church, Santa Rosa, 1550 Pacific, Santa Rosa, California 95404. My voicemail is 707 542 0205 x 105.
Premarital Counseling
I particularly enjoy premarital counseling, and offer a combined plan of six sessions. I use the Prepare and Enrich inventory and offer practical tools and resources to provide a foundation for a strong relationship. I am enthusiastically pro-marriage, and my 35 years as a professional therapist give me many resources to help couples begin their marriage with success.
Other Areas of Counseling