I have an eclectic approach to therapy with roots in Person-Centered care, valuing authenticity, vulnerability, honesty and unconditional positive regard.
I received my Bachelors of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Applied Music from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Upon graduation, I went on to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University, as well as a professional certification in trauma-informed care. After graduating, I spent a short time in private practice before working on the front lines of mental health in community mental health, serving those with low income. During this time, I worked with various age groups and an even wider range of concerns. These include complex trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, gender/sexual identity, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and more. Being in community mental health, I learned that flexibility and creativity are of utmost importance when providing quality care for those I work with.
My goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during our time together, since when we feel comfortable with the person we are talking to, discussing difficult topics tends to feel more natural. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and often incorporate ideas of reality therapy, existential therapy, as well as bringing in external connections such as movies, video games, music, and other forms of media to help process whatever you need to talk about.
It brings me joy to know that as a counselor I am able to reach out to so many and assist them on this journey that we call life. Outside of therapy, I love to cook and grill, especially continuing on traditional recipes from my great grandmother. I also play Dungeons and Dragons with friends, read, listen to audio dramas, play video games, listen to A LOT of music, and play trombone as a member of my local community band.
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety / Stress / Worry / Stress Management
Bereavement / Grief and Loss Counseling
Bipolar Disorder
Body Image / Body Acceptance
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Bullying
Chronic Medical Condition / Chronic Pain
Codependency
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Compulsive Spending / Shopping
Conduct Disorder
Depression
Domestic Violence
Emotional Abuse
Emotional Overeating
Gambling Addiction
Gender Identity
Geriatric Therapy
Hoarding
Illness Anxiety Disorder / Hypochondria
Infertility Trauma
LGBTQIA+ Care
Life Coaching / Life Transition
Men's Health Issues
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mood Disorders / Swings
Narcissism
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Panic Attack
Personality Disorder
Phobias / Irrational Fears
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Race and Cultural Identity
Racism / Oppression / Discrimination
Relationships
Schizophrenia
School Phobia / School Refusal
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self Esteem
Self Harm
Sex Addiction
Sexual Abuse Counseling
Sexual Dysfunction
Skin Picking (Excoriation Disorder)
Sleep Problems / Insomnia
Social Anxiety
Tic Disorders
Trans Affirming Care
Trauma
Trichotillomania
Languages spoken
English
Gender
Male
Pronouns
he/him/his
In-network insurances
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Self Pay
Education and training
Northern Illinois Univeristy - Masters of Science and Education
Wartburg College - Bachelors of Arts in clinical Psychology and Applied Music (Trombone focus)