LCSW, 9 years of experience
Hi there! Thanks for taking the first step on your behavioral health journey. I have worked in the behavioral health field since 2016, primarily in community mental health, and have a wide range of experience from traditional outpatient therapy, to crisis intervention and more. I work primarily with co-occurring disorders, trauma based disorders, and mood disorders. I am currently licensed in Colorado as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC). I obtained a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Boise State University in 2019 and a Masters in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2023. I am also credentialed at a national level as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) through NAADAC. My goal as a clinician is to help folks learn how to effectively navigate the chaotic world we live in.
In our first session we'll work on getting to know each other. I'll have some specific questions that will help me understand why you have taken this step in your life and that will allow us to build a specific plan to address your identified needs.
Having worked with a variety of populations over the last several years I've come to be prepared for most behavioral health issues. My work in intense crisis situations allows me to remain level headed, and my experiences with dual disorders allows me to approach mental health and substance use needs from a unique perspective. My person-centered and strengths-based approach allows you to be the driver of behavior change, aided by a new tool or two.
My passion comes from working with folks who have endured what feels impossible. Weathering the storm of life takes courage and the folks that I support need help finding a way through that storm sometimes. Behavioral health does not discriminate and I feel that being able to provide a new/different perspective and support with skills for tangible change is the greatest service I can provide.
I have been trained in DBT for 6 years, using it in both individual and group settings. DBT provides a great toolbox of skills to support every day needs and I encourage the use of these skills in a variety of situations. Most clients see great success with a skills based approach and tangible things to use.
I have used a CBT based approach for the last 9 years, encouraging clients to take a deeper look into their thoughts and how they influence behaviors and decisions. CBT allows folks to take a step back and learn the difference between assumption and fact based thinking to remain present moment focused and use their brain power to find the next best step to address their need.
Having used Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for the last 5 years, I have seen the impact that quick work and skills based support can have on individuals. SFBT allows you to look at a current need and situation and find realistic, quick, solutions to support behavior change for a variety of situations such as low levels of depression, anxiety and substance use.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a key component to the therapeutic relationship and allows individuals to explore the many views and layers of needs to make an informed decision about their next step in behavior change. MI uses the strengths of the client and creates a positive therapeutic relationship that includes safety and unconditional support.
I have used EMDR in my practice for the last 4 years with good success in helping people reorganize their trauma and support healthier coping. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (left-right-left-right) to support reprocessing identified needs with the hopes of impacting the intensity of feelings that lead to unhelpful behaviors.