LMHC, 6 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi there! I’m Soni — a proud Traders Point native and graduate of Covenant Christian High School, Purdue University, and Butler University. My journey into the world of therapy has been shaped by deep-rooted connections to my community and a lifelong passion for helping others discover their inner strength. In my downtime, you’ll likely find me belting out Disney karaoke, binge-watching classic TV shows like I Love Lucy or I Dream of Jeannie, wandering Eagle Creek, enjoying quiet evenings with my family, or cozied up at home with my two beloved cats. These small joys ground me — and I believe in helping my clients find theirs too. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, collaborative, & goal-oriented. I specialize in working with adults navigating mental health & substance use challenges. Together, we focus on healthy communication, setting boundaries, creating realistic goals, increasing self-esteem, & developing lasting habits rooted in gratitude, optimism, & self-awareness. I deeply value the stories, resilience, & wisdom that come with life experience, and I’m honored to walk with you as you navigate your own journey. Therapy with me is a space where you’re heard, respected, and encouraged to grow at your own pace. Whether you’re facing stress, stuck in old patterns, or just unsure of your next step, I’m here to support you!
In our first intake session, I’ll take time to really get to know you—your story, current challenges, and goals for therapy. I’ll ask questions about your background, strengths, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. We’ll also review any symptoms, life stressors, or patterns you’d like to change. The session is collaborative, meaning you can share at your own pace, and I’ll check in to make sure you feel comfortable. By the end of the intake, we’ll identify your priorities and begin shaping a plan for therapy that feels supportive, realistic, and tailored to your needs. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the work we can do together.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly understood, and blending compassion with structure. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care, while also offering culturally sensitive and faith-based support when desired. Clients often tell me they value my ability to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and provide practical strategies that can be applied right away. I focus on helping people build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable change. What stands out most is my commitment to meeting each client where they are, tailoring therapy to their unique needs, and walking alongside them as they grow in confidence, clarity, and hope.
My ideal clients are individuals who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles and are ready to make meaningful change. Many of the people I work with are motivated, self-reflective, and want both compassion and practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re healing from past hurts, adjusting to major life transitions, managing overwhelming emotions, or seeking healthier relationships, I provide a safe, supportive, and structured space. My approach is especially suited for those who want to better understand themselves, build resilience, and create lasting habits that align with their values. I also work well with clients who appreciate a blend of evidence-based methods and a holistic, culturally-sensitive perspective. Together, we’ll focus on acceptance, growth, and equipping you with the tools you need to move forward with confidence.
I’ve found ACT to be a powerful and compassionate framework for helping clients move through suffering—not by trying to eliminate painful thoughts or feelings, but by learning to relate to them differently, clarify what truly matters, and take action in alignment with one’s values. Over the years, I’ve trained in, practiced, and refined ACT methods, seeing how they can foster deep and sustainable change, especially alongside other modalities (DBT, CBT, trauma work, medication management). My Clinical Style with ACT Tailored pacing: I meet each person where they are—some clients are ready to dive into values and exposure, others need more time with acceptance and defusion. I don’t rush the processes. Integration: I often integrate ACT with trauma‐informed care, DBT skills, medication management. For example, I’ll help someone build a safety plan, use coping skills, while also clarifying values and committed action with ACT. Homework & practice: ACT works best when it’s applied between sessions, not just discussed. I assign exercises like mindfulness, journaling, values worksheets, small goal setting, reflection on when values vs fear guided a decision. Focus on holistic well‐being: Physical health, rest, social relationships, creative outlets all matter in ACT. Because values are not just mental but lived in daily life, I encourage movement, sleep hygiene, social connection, good boundaries. Gentle accountability: I support clients to make plans and check in on them with compassion—if things don’t go as planned, we explore what got in the way, what values were in tension, how to gently course correct. What Clients Often Experience from ACT With Me Greater psychological flexibility — the ability to act in alignment with their values even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. Reduced struggle against their internal world—less frustration over “why can’t I just feel better.” Improved mood, more consistent engagement in life, even if not perfect. Better decision-making: clarity on career, relationships, living situations grounded in values rather than fear, “shoulds,” or pressure. Increased feelings of agency, self‐compassion, and alignment with what matters most.
For me, Christian counseling is about integrating faith and evidence-based clinical approaches in a way that honors the client’s beliefs, values, and spiritual journey. I view faith as both a source of strength and a framework for healing. My role is never to impose beliefs but to walk alongside clients in exploring how their relationship with God, prayer, scripture, and spiritual community can support their mental health and well-being. I offer Christian counseling for clients who want their faith to be part of the healing process. I integrate prayer, scripture, and spiritual reflection with clinical approaches like CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. For many clients, faith provides a foundation of hope, peace, and meaning in the midst of struggles. My goal is to meet you where you are spiritually and support you in living with resilience, joy, and alignment with your values and beliefs. My Clinical Style with Christian Counseling Integration with evidence-based therapy: I blend Christian faith with ACT, CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and other clinical methods. For example, using scripture alongside mindfulness or defusion exercises, or pairing prayer with values-based goal setting. Client-directed: The client decides how much faith they want to bring into sessions. Some want scripture and prayer in every session, others only want the therapist to understand their worldview. Compassionate and non-judgmental: I meet clients wherever they are in their spiritual journey—even if they feel distant from God, struggle with doubt, or have been hurt by religious experiences. Hope-focused: I help clients recognize how faith can foster resilience, forgiveness, identity, and peace, even in the midst of painful circumstances. What Clients Often Experience Through Christian Counseling A stronger sense of peace, identity, and security in God’s love. The ability to see trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, not just obstacles. Healing from shame, fear, or guilt through grace-centered counseling. More clarity on aligning their daily actions with their faith values. Integration of prayer, scripture, and faith community into their overall coping toolkit.
I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective evidence-based methods for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. CBT helps clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge them, and build healthier coping strategies. Together, we focus on practical steps that bring relief and lasting change, empowering you to approach life with more confidence, balance, and resilience. My Clinical Style with CBT Skills-based and structured: I guide clients through evidence-based tools such as thought records, behavioral experiments, and problem-solving strategies. Collaborative: I see therapy as teamwork—we identify patterns together and test new skills in and out of session. Practical and real-life focused: I emphasize homework and practice between sessions (like journaling, scheduling, or practicing new coping responses) so clients experience progress outside of the therapy room. Integrated: While CBT is highly effective, I often combine it with ACT, trauma-informed approaches, or Christian counseling depending on the client’s needs. What Clients Often Experience Through CBT More awareness of how their thoughts affect their emotions and choices. Greater ability to challenge distorted or unhelpful thinking. Increased motivation through small, structured steps forward. Reduction in anxiety, depression, or stress symptoms. Confidence in applying coping strategies independently in daily life.
Culturally-Sensitive Counseling is an approach that acknowledges and respects the unique cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds of each client. In my practice, this means creating a safe, affirming space where clients feel seen and understood—not just as individuals, but as members of families, communities, and cultures that shape their identity and experiences. I recognize that culture influences how clients view mental health, relationships, coping strategies, and even how they define “healing.” By being mindful of these dynamics, I adapt my interventions to fit each client’s worldview rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. My Clinical Style with Culturally-Sensitive Counseling Open and curious: I invite clients to share what parts of their identity, culture, or spirituality are important to them. Adaptive: I flex my therapeutic approach to match cultural values—for example, integrating family-focused interventions where collectivism is strong, or prioritizing autonomy when independence is valued. Nonjudgmental: I meet clients exactly where they are, respecting their lived experience and worldview. Integrative: I weave cultural sensitivity into other treatment approaches (ACT, CBT, trauma-informed care, Christian counseling) to create a holistic and affirming therapeutic experience. What Clients Often Experience Through Culturally-Sensitive Counseling Feeling safe, respected, and validated in their identity and worldview. Greater ability to balance cultural expectations with personal needs. Confidence in setting boundaries while still honoring family or community ties. A stronger sense of empowerment and belonging.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed for individuals struggling with intense emotions, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors. Over time, it has been shown to be effective for anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, substance use, and difficulties in relationships. In my practice, I use DBT as a framework to help clients gain both acceptance of themselves in the present and skills to create meaningful change. DBT teaches practical, concrete strategies that clients can apply in their everyday lives. My Clinical Style with DBT Structured but supportive: I balance validation and encouragement with teaching concrete, actionable skills. Collaborative: I often give clients skills practice or journaling homework so that therapy translates into daily life. Integrative: I weave DBT strategies alongside CBT, ACT, and culturally-sensitive approaches, making them adaptable to each client’s unique situation. What Clients Often Experience Through DBT More control over their emotions and reactions. Healthier, more effective communication in relationships. A sense of empowerment through practical coping tools. Reduced impulsivity, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm.