(she/her)
New to Grow
I’m a master’s‑level therapist with 18 years in the field, and I bring a mix of warmth, directness, and a good sense of humor to the work. I’m highly relational and love getting to know the real person behind the symptoms. I’m also a well‑researched therapy nerd who enjoys blending different approaches to fit each client, not the other way around. I’m eclectic, energetic, and a natural storyteller, and I’ve spent my career helping people make sense of their experiences in a way that feels grounding and empowering. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to grow at your own pace.
In our first session, we focus on getting to know each other and building a comfortable connection. I want you to feel safe, supported, and understood from the start. We talk about what brings you to therapy, what you’ve been carrying, and what you hope to work on. I’ll ask some guiding questions, but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. We also take time to orient you to the therapy process so you know what to expect moving forward. Together we look at what you need most right now and start shaping a plan that fits you. My goal in the first session is simple: build rapport, understand your story, and make sure you leave feeling grounded and hopeful about the work ahead. We can take it as fast or as slow as you like. This is your space, your time and your treatment. I work for you.
My greatest strengths come from both my experience and my approach. I have been in the field for many years and have earned over 1400 five star reviews from clients who appreciate the progress we make together. My style is dynamic and flexible, and sessions often move in a way that feels natural and sometimes even playful. While the work is serious, the process does not feel heavy every minute. There is a natural rhythm that ebbs and flows, and we follow it together. I am practical, down to earth, and not pretentious. I bring strong clinical knowledge, a direct sense of humor, and a highly relational style that helps clients feel comfortable and understood. I blend different methods in a way that fits each person, which keeps therapy from feeling rigid or cookie cutter. Clients often tell me the work feels meaningful, approachable, and very human, and that is exactly what I aim for.
My ideal clients are people who have been carrying heavy experiences for a long time and are ready for real change, even if they feel unsure about where to start. I work best with clients dealing with trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, OCD, and anxiety who want a therapist who is steady, supportive, and also human. I bring a sense of humor into the work when it fits, because sometimes a little lightness makes the hard stuff easier to face. Many of my clients are high‑functioning on the outside but overwhelmed on the inside. They may feel stuck in old patterns, disconnected from themselves, or tired of trying to manage everything alone. I’m a good fit for clients who value a strong therapeutic relationship and want a therapist who is engaged, collaborative, and not cookie‑cutter. My clients often appreciate having someone who understands trauma deeply, can explain things clearly, and can offer practical tools without losing the warmth and connection. I work well with clients who want to explore how their past affects their present, build healthier boundaries, and learn skills that help them feel more grounded and in control. My ideal client is someone who is open to the process, willing to be honest, and ready to take small steps toward healing at a pace that feels safe. I meet clients where they are and help them move toward where they want to be, with support, clarity, and a little humor along the way. In short, I enjoy working with motivated individuals who can appreciate true authentic connection with an honorary guide and are ready to make some changes and find new ways to cope.
Autism
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Missouri
Arlo
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have many years of experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use CBT to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together we look at patterns that may be causing stress or keeping you stuck. We then practice new ways of thinking and coping that can reduce anxiety, manage trauma responses, and support healthier habits. CBT gives clients practical tools they can use in daily life, and I adapt these skills to fit each person’s needs and comfort level.
Interpersonal
I use Interpersonal Therapy to help clients understand how their relationships and past experiences shape the way they feel today. Because much of my work is trauma‑focused, I take a highly relational approach. I pay close attention to how trust, safety, communication, and connection show up in your life and in our work together. IPT helps us explore patterns in relationships, build healthier boundaries, and strengthen your support system. It also gives us space to practice new ways of relating that feel more secure and grounded. My goal is to create a safe, steady relationship in therapy where healing and growth can take place.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help clients build skills for managing strong emotions, reducing impulsive reactions, and improving relationships. DBT focuses on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In sessions, we practice these skills in a calm and supportive way so you can use them in real life when stress or trauma responses show up. DBT is especially helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or who want more stability and balance in their daily lives.
EMDR
I use EMDR to help clients process traumatic memories in a safe and structured way. EMDR works by reducing the emotional intensity of past experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming or triggering. We move through the process at a pace that feels comfortable, using grounding and stabilization skills as needed. Many clients find EMDR helpful for PTSD, complex trauma, and anxiety because it allows the brain to heal without needing to retell every detail of the trauma. My goal is to help you feel more regulated, empowered, and in control as we work through difficult experiences.
Eclectic
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, which means I pull from many different methods rather than using a one‑size‑fits‑all style. Because trauma work is highly individual, I adapt my approach to each person and each session. I combine tools from CBT, DBT, EMDR, interpersonal therapy, and other evidence‑based practices depending on what will be most helpful in the moment. This allows me to stay flexible, relational, and responsive to your needs instead of following a rigid script. My goal is to meet you where you are and use whatever approach best supports your healing and growth.