As you are beginning or continuing your therapeutic journey, know that I am here to support you and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and tools that will help throughout this time. I believe we all can learn and grow from therapy.
My passion for therapy began in my previous career as an educator. Through my work, I saw the daily demands and resultant stressors that students faced regularly. Additionally, while working in an urban school setting, I saw first-hand how environmental factors contributed to increased anxiety and depression. My father was in the military which meant that someone was always moving and life was ever-changing. It was a very culturally diverse environment which provided me the opportunity to engage with people from various backgrounds. It is the foundation of this diversity that I feel gives me unique insight into the challenges faced while growing up and interacting in quickly changing and emotionally charged environments.
Since starting in the counseling field I have gained valuable experience with group dynamics and individual therapy while working at Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital. There I worked in their partial hospitalization program. I also provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups, adult processing groups, and a psychosis group in the inpatient units. I primarily use family systems theory and person-centered therapy. I incorporate CBT and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well. Although, I am quite eclectic in my therapeutic orientations. I have learned through my experiences that not all theories and approaches work the same for individuals. I am culturally competent and inclusive. I recognize the importance of providing mental health services within our BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) community.
My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Education from Clarke University and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology from North Park University. I strive to create a warm, energetic and non-judgmental environment that helps you feel comfortable so we can work together to build a strong therapeutic relationship.
