Hello! I am a fully licensed professional counselor (LPC). I obtained my Master’s degree in Counseling at Western Michigan University in 2007, where I completed significant coursework in marriage and family therapy, individual, and school counseling. My undergraduate studies were in Human Resources and Economics at Michigan State University. I have varied experience in outpatient therapy, school counseling and Child Welfare.
Today's society can be very overstimulating and can make it hard to focus on our inner experience of emotions. Sometimes we need is an opportunity to slow down and process whether our feelings, thoughts and behaviors are helping or getting in the way of where we want to be as - as a person, parent, partner, employee, student. I offer guidance in removing or working with obstacles which prevent us from deriving more joy from daily life. This may be through symptom management of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, Couples Counseling, Family Therapy/Reunification, sessions focused on parenting, or working through historical trauma.
Overall, I have a humanistic approach to therapy – where the interpersonal process in therapy is just as important as what is discussed. What I love about my job is witnessing the relief a client experiences when they are able to access and release trapped emotions which have been holding them back. Clients report that I have a calming presence which makes them feel comfortable when processing difficult emotions and life challenges. I am passionate about working with child and adult trauma victims, families working toward reunification after foster care involvement, and individuals and couples looking to become “unstuck” from current patterns.
Dependent on the preferences and learning style of the client, I integrate techniques from Family Systems Theory, Attachment Theory, Art Therapy, (Trauma Focused) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused and Motivational Interviewing models. When clients are open to it, I find exploring our families of origin and intergenerational patterns informative- regardless of the issue which brings us to therapy.
I believe therapy can help adults access the strength and insight necessary to change negative scripts in their lives, overcome adversity, and thrive! I look forward to the opportunity to partner with you on your journey.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coaching, Communication problems, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Midlife crisis, Self-love, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
MI LPC 6401011184