Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with twelve years experience in mental health. Although my background is in various areas, my main areas of specialty are depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD/survivors of abuse and trauma. I truly enjoy working with my clients and seeing the healing they achieve, the progress they make, and the goals they accomplish. Now, a little about me: I have been married to my husband for six years and we have a blended family of three children. My sons are 19 and 17, and my daughter is 13. Our life is a whirlwind of sports, band, twirling, and not-at-all controlled chaos. My husband and I both work long hours and choose to raise farm animals in our spare time. He has cows and I raise small goats. Yes, I am the crazy goat lady!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Therapy can be scary and anxiety-inducing. People often have fears related to therapy based on misconceptions about what it will be like. My first priority will be to help you feel comfortable with me, comfortable with the process, and to explore your goals. My philosophy about therapy is that I believe in meeting you where you are in your journey. I start by building upon your strengths so that you have coping skills to utilize as you address the issues you want to work through. Then, after you have developed trust and rapport we will tackle the hard parts as you decide that you are ready. I look forward to getting to know you, discovering your needs and goals in therapy, and helping you heal and achieve those goals. I promise it will be a decision you will be so glad you made!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy. This method works to look at how your thinking is impacting your actions, mood, and coping. The aim is to help you learn to recognize your emotional and situational triggers, change the way you view yourself and your situations, and develop healthier ways to cope with life's stressors and your triggers. I also incorporate person-centered therapy, which utilizes empathy and unconditional positive regard to help you facilitate the change desired. Instead of directing, I provide the support and guidance that allows you to reach your own decisions and solutions through a structured and therapeutic process.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my biggest strengths are my ability to help clients feel comfortable and connected, and to empower my clients to be able to recognize their potential for growth and their own inner strengths. Years of working with individuals who have experienced trauma have shaped me to be the therapist I am today.