So many people are living a fraction of the life they could lead. Because of past trauma, fear, negative responses from loved ones, poor self-esteem, undiagnosed mental health, and a myriad of other issues, people settle for mediocre and unhealthy versions of the life they would like to live. As a mental health clinician, this is one of the things that saddens me the most. From my vantage point, I have the privilege of seeing what is possible and how people could be truly free if they could only be brave enough to take the first step toward change.
But what does change look like?
And how do you know you’re making the right changes? How do you even know where to begin?
This is where the good work of therapy becomes essential.
As a clinician, I employ a developmental perspective that employs an integrated approach of strengths based, cognitive behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, and systemic techniques. This is often accomplished by incorporating psychoeducation, conversation, and directive strategies with clients. In working with clients, I believe it is important to allow a safe space for you to just be, to process loss, pain, or frustration, and to begin identifying realistic goals that are sustainable in the long-term. Exploring the past is important in helping us to understand how it informs your current behaviors, but I will always encourage you to make changes that are relevant to your present and to your future. In striving toward this end, I will work hard to earn your trust and challenge you to approach your problems from a renewed perspective. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and International Studies and a Master’s Degree in Counseling, both earned from George Fox University. I also hold a Doctorate in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University.
I have 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families throughout the life cycle. When working with minors, I believe it is important to actively involve parents so that change can occur within the entire family system. (I welcome children as young as eight.) I work with a wide variety of issues, including self-esteem and body image issues, grief and loss, marriage, divorce, blended families, parental alienation, infertility, parenting, adoption and foster care, menopause, care-giving, stage of life transitions, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, narcissistic abuse, work-related stress, family dynamics, and adjustment to issues specific to teens and young adults entering college or adult life.
In addition, I am licensed as a clinical supervisor and able to provide supervision to graduate students obtaining clinical hours toward a degree or post-graduate students seeking licensure as a LCMHC. My supervision training was formalized through an NBCC approved academic course. My approach to supervision is founded in developmental models of supervision. Attention to the supervisory relationship and supervisory roles is critical to these approaches, requiring the supervisor to be intentional, proactive, and flexible. Supervision interventions are tailored to the supervisee’s developmental, cognitive, and conceptual levels, as well as the supervisee’s motivation, skills, and personal attributes, while ensuring the needs of the client(s) are met. My areas of supervision competency include career counseling, grief and loss, adoption, youth, adults, couples, and families.
Whether you are a potential client or supervisee, my passion is helping others live a full and satisfying life. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have. I so look forward to meeting you and engaging in this journey together!