I believe in the power of human connection as we cannot separate the mental from the social as the two are intimately connected. Thus, I strive to be authentic in every relationship I build, both professional and personal. I also believe that the therapeutic approaches that place protocols, preset agendas, and curriculums above a relationship miss the person and the true effectiveness of counseling by focusing on particular symptoms rather than on the relationship. Those aren't wrong per se, as they are tools that draw from and that I make available to my clients, but they are only tools for a greater good, which is you and the relationship we build together! Alternatively, I am committed to you as my client, first and foremost, as a fellow human being. I want to know you and what has brought you to this point in your life. Conversely I also want you to know me. To know another and to be known ourselves in the crux of healing.
I promise to give you my best, whether that comes from my educational background, professional experiences, and/or personal endeavors.
I am currently working on my dissertation for a PhD in Social Work at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, Kentucky. I have an MA in Art Therapy/Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a BA in Fine Art from Taylor University in Indiana.
I have served and worked in a variety of settings with different populations including The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children & Families in Portland, OR; The University of Kentucky, Greenville College in Greenville, IL, St. Joseph Head Start in East St. Louis, IL, among other social service agencies.
More than anything, I draw from my own life experience and make that available to my clients for their benefit and I hope they will benefit you as my client as well!
I look forward to getting to know you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder
OR LPC C3909