(he/him)
New to Grow
believe counseling should be a safe and supportive space where individuals can share openly without fear of judgment. With over 20 years of experience as a special education teacher and educational diagnostician, I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, and families facing emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges. I have a special passion for supporting children and families navigating high-conflict divorce, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. My counseling approach integrates evidence-based scientific practices with Christian principles to support emotional healing, personal growth, and healthy relationships. I strive to help clients develop practical coping strategies, greater self-awareness, and a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
During the first counseling session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment where they can openly discuss their concerns, goals, and life experiences. The session typically includes gathering background information, exploring current challenges, discussing counseling expectations, and beginning to identify strengths, goals, and possible treatment approaches tailored to the client’s unique needs.
My greatest strengths as a counselor include empathy, active listening, and the ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and supported. My extensive experience as a special education teacher, educational diagnostician, and counselor allows me to effectively understand complex emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges while integrating evidence-based strategies and Christian principles to support healing, growth, and resilience.
My ideal clients include children ages 6–12, adolescents ages 13–17, and adults ages 18 and older who are seeking support for emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges. I have a special passion for working with children and families experiencing divorce or separation, as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, and relationship concerns, including marriage counseling. My counseling approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs of each client. I utilize evidence-based strategies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Christian counseling principles to promote emotional healing, personal growth, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to behaviors that align with their personal values. In counseling, ACT encourages clients to practice mindfulness, reduce avoidance, and take meaningful actions that support long-term emotional well-being and personal growth.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors. In counseling, CBT teaches practical coping skills to replace unhelpful thinking with healthier perspectives and more effective behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps clients build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. In counseling, DBT supports clients in balancing acceptance and change while learning healthier ways to manage intense emotions and relationships.
Gestalt
Gestalt Therapy helps clients increase self-awareness by focusing on present thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the here and now. In counseling, Gestalt techniques encourage clients to explore unresolved emotions, personal responsibility, and authentic ways of relating to themselves and others
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling integrates psychological principles with biblical truths to support emotional, relational, and spiritual growth. In counseling, clients are encouraged to strengthen their faith, apply scriptural values, and develop healthy coping strategies grounded in their relationship with God.