(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a fully licensed professional counselor, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor and a trained supervisor for LLC’s. I focus on using evidence-based treatment approaches to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and related disorders, mood problems and behaviors, substance use disorders, and addiction. A trusting connection with your therapist is essential for a successful therapeutic outcome. I invite you to reach out and we can talk more to see if it will be a good fit, I look forward to speaking with you! I am accepting new clients and supervision candidates!
The counseling space is comfortable and welcoming, sessions will be engaging, meaningful and worthwhile! Starting with an assessment, where background information is gathered as well as current symptoms and needs, the second session includes developing goals and creating a plan. Then we tackle the most important needs first. We will discuss progress every few months to check-in and make sure we are on the right track. The process looks different for everyone, and sessions occur weekly for most clients.
In sessions we will focus on your goals using evidence-based treatment approaches to address the symptoms and issues you are experiencing. I am able to help with a variety of life related problems, as well as mental health concerns. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma related symptoms or behavioral problems, these can all be addressed. The techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as motivational interviewing, among others. The focus will be on what works best for the client. I also specialize in treating trauma related symptoms, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder using EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT. I treat substance use disorders, and addiction related concerns as well. In addition to this, I have completed supervisor training, and am able to supervise Limited License Counselors in the state of Michigan.
Living your life to the fullest is within reach, and anything standing in the way can be addressed through therapy. Whether you're struggling with past memories, uncertainties about the future, or challenges you're facing right now, peace and healing are closer than you think. With 18 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Northern Michigan, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, and adults through a range of complex mental health challenges. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, combining evidence-based methods with a compassionate, client-centered approach. You don’t have to face it alone — together, we’ll work towards the peace and healing you deserve.
Other specialties
I identify as
EMDR
Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based treatment to reduce symptoms of PTSD for people struggling with trauma, and difficult memories. I use this modality in-person and virtually for a number of clients. It is a process that places emphasis on creating a safe space to process difficult memories. Results often occur shortly following a session of reprocessing. Treatment duration is typically 3-9 months.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
This is a comprehensive treatment approach provided on an individual basis for those struggling with emotion regulation, high risk behaviors, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, maintaining relationships and impulsivity. It is also helpful for those who often feel triggered by others and are highly reactive, as well as those who struggle with dissociation and mindlessness. I have many years of implementing this treatment approach to both adults and adolescents in a group and individual format. DBT is a fantastic tool to help you with just about any problem behavior you wish to change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapeutic approach that centers around how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are linked. With the use of cognitive coping we can identify automatic negative thoughts, catch the thought, and change it into a thought grounded in fact to reduce the interpretation of a situation as being "terrible" or "the worst" to being "a challenge I can handle", for example.
Trauma-Focused CBT
This is an evidence-based specific treatment approach to support the processing of trauma to reduce symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I use this approach with children, adolescents as well as adults. It has several steps, including psychoeducation about trauma, learning relaxation and coping skills as well emotional awareness, and processing memories through the use of trauma narration that includes gradual exposure to difficult memories. This is completed in the therapy session, where emotional safety is the focus and progress is monitored throughout treatment.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a well-studied technique used to help a person explore their problems and develop a plan to solve them, as well as support them through the change process. Many clients have better outcomes when their therapist uses this approach. I use this technique frequently.