Individuals seek help after attempting to solve problems on their own, finding the results to be lacking. The recognition of a persistent struggle requires honesty to face the stressor and its impact on one’s life. In addition to a desire and willingness for change, honesty can set a foundation for personal growth. Rather than view mental health from solely an illness perspective, I believe in viewing a client’s symptoms in the context of their life, values and future goals. My perspective on human potential for change, healing and growth has developed over many years. I became a nurse over thirty years ago. I began and maintained practice in medical surgical nursing, obtaining my nursing education with a master’s degree from Pace University. Five years later, I received a second master’s degree in the specialty of psychiatric nursing. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients in psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient units and most recently in the outpatient setting. I also taught, as a psychiatric nursing professor for over fifteen years and, desiring to incorporate more holistic interventions in working with clients, I completed a post Master’s program at UCCS, becoming a PMHNP. As a PMHNP, I look forward to exploring the best treatments for each individual. I ask that clients consider their health in terms of their medical, psychiatric, dietary, physical activity, daily schedule, economic, social/ relational and spiritual status. I advocate strongly for the utilization of an interprofessional team, while I focus specifically on how psychiatric medications can help. There are many safe and effective psychopharmacologic options that can expedite stability and health. I appreciate that the healing process is different for everyone. I have held off in working with clients in private practice for quite some time specifically because I felt I needed to have a better firsthand understanding of what it means to heal and grow. For some, that takes a while! I also step away from the serious side of life and just jump into the outdoors, hitting the trails running, biking, hiking and skiing. My husband of twenty-five years has morphed me into a football fanatic. He has, in turn, learned to love camping (kind of). We joke that we’re not sure how but are thankful to have two great young adult kids launching off into their own lives and careers. Our most recent child is a whippet who is remaining a puppy after 3 years.