LMFT, 25 years of experience
Hello, I have been working in the mental health and addictions field for over 25 years. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings providing intakes/assessments, groups, and individual, couples and family therapy. I am originally from California and moved to the Midwest 20 years ago with my husband of 31 years and our three children who are all adults now. I have two grandsons: one and two years old, that bring so much joy to my life. I consider my self an optimist but I was not born one, I had to learn how to challenge my own thoughts and unlearn some unhealthy coping skills to be one. I practice what I preach and there isn’t anything that I suggest that I havent done or wouldnt be willing to try myself. I believe in therapy! I love what I do, so much so, that most days is does not feel like work and for that I am truly grateful!
The session starts with introductions, a review of the initial paperwork, discussion regarding confidentiality and its exceptions. Next we will discuss what you can expect from your therapist: the structure of a typical session, the format, therapeutic approaches and finally your treatment goals.
I have been in the field for over 25 years and have a diverse background, which I feel makes me less judge mental and more compassionate. I have done my own work and feel more comfortable with myself today than I ever have before in my life. I think this translates into creating an environment that is relaxing and more comfortable for my clients. If I can breath and be present, it helps for my clients to do the same. I don’t worry as much today about striving for perfection, I am more focused on enjoying the moments I have and being aware of my presence. My goal is to do all that I can to support you on this journey. I believe that you have the answers or that you are capable of finding them inside of yourself. My job is to help you with that process. It is not to fix you, or tell you how to manage your life. You are the expert on YOU. I am simply an extra set of ears and eyes. I am able to see it from a different view or perspective and am able to reflect that back to you so that you can see it from a different perspective.
I am a process therapist meaning I enjoy talk therapy, saying how we think and feel out loud. I believe that it is my responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for my client to be able to have this kind of an experieince, to allow my clients to open up and share how they truly feel. Being vulnerable can be overwhelming and trusting someone enough to share intimate parts of their story is even more difficult, but it is by taking that risk that one can find their voice, and with it the connection and healing they need.
Assist clients in identifying negative self talk and core beliefs about how they view themselves and the world they live in, how that influences their feelings, behaviors and ultimately outcomes. Empower clients to challenge their thoughts and beliefs, teach new coping skills and practice application in managing and improving mood.
Identifying childhood experiences and the influence that had on how our needs were or were not met. Understanding how that impacted our sense of self. Learning how we adapted to our environment and how as adults we can unlearn some of the maladaptive coping skills we learned to survive in order to have our needs met and to have healthier relationships today,
Assisting the client to identify the positives in their experience and being able to see where they are making progress, where they are improving and can see their growth. Helping them to identify where the exceptions occur, rather than focusing on the negative.
6 ratings with written reviews
July 9, 2025
I've worked with several therapists over the years, but Dee is truly my go-to. Her style is the perfect balance of warmth, openness, and fun—yet she knows exactly when and how to challenge me to help me grow. She creates a safe, judgment-free space where I feel completely heard and understood. What sets her apart is her ability to not only help me make sense of my feelings but also equip me with practical tools to cope and thrive. I highly recommend Dee!
April 14, 2025
Dee is approachable and I appreciated hearing about her background in addition to sharing mine during our session.
March 30, 2025
Dee was absolutely what I thought she’d be… kind, friendly, compassionate