As an individual who struggled with alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety, my life experiences, as well as my education and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life, have provided me with the opportunity to serve those who are struggling with life. Everyone has life struggles. I am prepared to help individuals and couples learn how to live life amidst struggles, such as depression, addiction, worry, financial stress, or marriage difficulties. I am blessed and honored to be in a position to use the gifts God has entrusted me with to serve others. My specialty area is addictions. I struggled with alcohol addiction for about 23 years. Through God's redeeming grace and an excellent education, I am well equipped to help those struggling with addiction and the anxiety, depression, worry, and fear that may or may not be attached to the addiction. My life experience with addiction has equipped me with an understanding about addiction. Not just for the individual, but for the affected family/social network as well. My education at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary has also equipped me with God's ultimate resource for our afflictions - The Word of God.
The first session is generally called gathering information and establishing a therapeutic alliance. I will ask you to tell me a little about yourself and your motivation for engaging in treatment. I am prepared to share questions you may have concerning myself and the treatment process. We will generally identify goals, which are used to create the "treatment plan."
My greatest strength lies in connection. I enjoy the opportunity to serve those in need just as I had help when I was in need. As a result, I value the therapeutic relationship and continue to foster and support this unique relationship throughout the therapeutic process.
I am equipped and honored to serve those struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am comfortable and experienced in working with adolescents and adults (both male and female), as well as couples. I have a military background, which lends to specific needs for those who have served.
I utilize CBT as a consistent modality that is easily incorporated into other forms of therapy.
I have life and educational experience, offering a Christian worldview into the counseling dynamic.
Consistent evidence-based approach to trauma and exploring negative cognitions that fuel numerous presenting issues.
Bringing current presenting problems into the context of the here and now.