I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1997 with a master's degree in social work and am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Idaho. I have over twenty years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of milieus including hospital-based mental health treatment and specialized outpatient settings. I love what I do for two primary reasons: The opportunity to learn about the varied individual human experience (one's "story") and the privilege of facilitating insight and awareness in order to live more fully.
Often individuals consider therapy because they aren't feeling fully functional. They are simply "going through the motions" or just tolerating experiences of day-to-day existence. Relationships are a struggle and continued patterns of unhelpful behaviors/thoughts are hard to shake. Past traumatic experiences continue to surface and drive present feelings and emotional responses. Therapy can help.
I have experience treating a number of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to: mood disorders (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety), trauma disorders (post traumatic stress, complex developmental trauma), and personality disorders. Additionally, I have particular interest and experience in assisting individuals who are experiencing phase of life issues or adjustments (e.g. divorce, advancing age, bereavement/grief, chronic health conditions, etc). I utilize a combination of evidence-based treatment paradigms including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, solution-focused/brief treatment and acceptance and commitment therapy. I place particular emphasis on mindfulness and approach each client from a strengths-based perspective in order to cultivate resilience.
I am direct yet empathic. Just as there is an expectation that I am prepared and ready to work, I expect clients emotionally "show up" and actively participate in treatment. Therapy will prove futile if willingness to examine unhealthy behavior and thought processes is lacking. If you feel stuck and don't know where to begin (or have tried to change behavior in the past to no avail), we can begin there. Change can be slow and painstaking, but the rewards are monumental. I know well the financial and emotional cost engaging in mental health treatment; your time is valuable. I promise to do my best in creating a space that honors you and promotes movement toward emotional well-being.
Our first meeting will consist of a comprehensive assessment in order to determine if I am the appropriate person to provide care. Should we decide to move forward in treatment, we will determine mutually agreed-upon treatment goals and evaluate progress each session. Your feedback is essential and I will solicit it at every encounter.
Congratulate yourself for taking this initial step. What led you here was likely the experience of difficult circumstances and subsequent challenging emotions - you are stronger than you realize.
I look forward to working with you.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Codependency, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Self-Harm, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
ID LCSW LCSW-36074