New to Grow
Life brings seasons of joy, challenge, uncertainty, and growth — and Scripture reminds us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NKJV). You were never meant to navigate these seasons alone. If you’re seeking a counselor who approaches healing with a pastor’s heart and a Christ‑centered worldview, I’m here to walk alongside you. I believe every person is created by God with purpose, dignity, and a calling that is uniquely theirs. My work is rooted in helping individuals rediscover that purpose and experience the hope, clarity, and restoration that come from aligning their lives with God’s truth. Whether you, your child, your spouse, or a family member is facing anxiety, walking through a difficult transition, or longing for deeper spiritual and personal growth, you will be met with compassion, prayerful support, and practical guidance. At Hope Connection Counseling & Therapy, the heart of this ministry is simple: to help people live with intention and step into the destiny God has prepared for them. This practice was founded out of a God‑given dream — a desire to create a safe, grace‑filled space where individuals can be honest, find healing, and experience the transforming work of Christ in their lives. If this resonates with your spirit, I invite you to reach out. You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Whatever season you’re in, God is still at work, and you don’t have to walk this journey alone. It would be an honor to support you as you pursue the life He has called you to live.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
What to Expect in Our First Session Your first session is all about creating a safe, welcoming space where you can breathe, settle in, and begin sharing your story at your own pace. My approach is faith‑based, strengths‑focused, compassionate, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and you’ll feel each of those elements woven gently into our time together. A Warm, Grace‑Centered Welcome We’ll begin by getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and what you feel comfortable discussing. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out—this is a space for honesty, curiosity, and grace. If faith is an important part of your life, we’ll talk about how you’d like to integrate your Christian beliefs into the counseling process. This might include prayer, Scripture reflection, or simply viewing your healing journey through a Christ‑centered lens. Exploring Your Strengths and Story A strengths‑based approach means I’m not just listening for what’s hard—I’m also listening for what’s strong. We’ll explore: The resilience you’ve already shown The skills and values that have carried you this far The support systems and spiritual resources that matter to you This helps us build a foundation of hope and empowerment from the very beginning. Understanding Your Thoughts, Emotions, and Patterns Because I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we’ll start identifying the patterns that may be contributing to your stress, anxiety, or emotional pain. Together, we’ll look at: How your thoughts influence your feelings How your feelings shape your behaviors Where these patterns may be getting in the way of peace, clarity, or connection This isn’t about judgment—it’s about understanding yourself with compassion and truth. Setting Goals That Align With Your Faith and Values We’ll talk about what healing, growth, or change looks like for you. Your goals might include: Building emotional resilience Strengthening your relationship with God Healing from past hurts Developing healthier thought patterns Improving relationships Finding clarity in a season of transition Your goals guide our work, and we’ll set them together. A Session Filled With Compassion and Safety You can expect: A calm, supportive environment Space to express yourself without fear of judgment A therapist who listens deeply and honors your faith A collaborative process where your voice matters My role is to walk alongside you—not
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Why Choose Me as Your Therapist Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and you deserve someone who brings both experience and heart to the work. With 22 years in the mental‑health field, I offer a blend of clinical skill, real‑world understanding, and faith‑centered support that helps clients feel grounded, safe, and genuinely cared for. My background includes working with Iowa DHS, providing BHIS in‑home services, and serving in multiple mental‑health clinics, which means I understand the complexities of family systems, trauma, crisis, and everyday life stressors. I’ve walked alongside individuals and families in some of their most challenging seasons, and I bring that depth of insight into every session. I integrate faith‑based principles for clients who desire it, offering a space where emotional healing and spiritual growth can work together. Whether that includes prayer, Scripture, or simply exploring how faith shapes your life, I honor your beliefs while grounding our work in evidence‑based practice. Clients choose me because I am: Compassionate and steady, creating a space where you feel heard and understood Direct and practical, helping you build skills you can use right away Strengths‑focused, highlighting your resilience and helping you grow from it Experienced across diverse settings, giving me a broad understanding of people, systems, and real‑life challenges Faith‑integrated, when desired, offering support that honors both your emotional and spiritual needs My goal is simple: to help you feel more confident, more grounded, and more capable of creating the life you want. If you’re looking for a therapist who brings experience, compassion, and a Christ‑centered perspective, I’m here to walk that journey with you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals who desire counseling that honors both clinical wisdom and a Christ‑centered worldview. My ideal clients are people who want to grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally, and who believe that true healing involves inviting God into the process. Who I Serve I work well with clients who: Are navigating anxiety, worry, or emotional overwhelm and want faith to be part of their healing Are walking through life transitions—marriage, parenting, career changes, grief, or identity shifts Feel stuck and want to rediscover purpose, calling, and direction Desire to strengthen their relationship with God while also building healthier coping skills Want a counselor who understands Scripture, prayer, and spiritual formation Value a therapeutic space where faith is not just respected but welcomed Mindset of My Ideal Client My ideal clients often: Believe God has a purpose for their life, even if they can’t see it right now Want to grow, change, and heal—not just survive Are open to exploring how faith and emotional health work together Appreciate honest, compassionate guidance rooted in biblical truth Desire accountability, encouragement, and practical tools they can apply daily Therapy Goals My Clients Often Pursue Clients who come to me are often seeking to: Build confidence and healthier self‑perception through a Christ‑centered lens Develop emotional resilience and God‑honoring coping strategies Heal from past hurts while strengthening their spiritual foundation Improve relationships—with themselves, others, and God Live with greater clarity, peace, and purpose Align their life with the calling God has placed on their heart
Faith based therapy
My Experience With Faith‑Based Therapy I have experience integrating faith‑based principles into treatment when it aligns with the client’s values and preferences. My approach is grounded in evidence‑based modalities—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution‑focused strategies, and emotion‑regulation skills—while also honoring the client’s spiritual identity as an important part of their healing process. Over time, I’ve found that many clients draw strength, purpose, and comfort from their faith. Incorporating these elements can deepen engagement, increase motivation, and help clients connect therapeutic concepts to something personally meaningful. How I Use It in Practice In my practice, I use faith‑based therapy in a way that is: Client‑centered: The client determines the level of spiritual integration. Respectful and non‑directive: I never impose beliefs; I support the client’s own faith journey. Strength‑focused: I help clients identify spiritual resources that support resilience, hope, and coping. Integrated with clinical skills: Faith‑based discussions are woven into CBT, mindfulness, behavioral strategies, and psychoeducation when appropriate. Examples of how this may look in session: Exploring how a client’s faith community supports their emotional well‑being Using scripture or spiritual principles to reframe negative thoughts (when the client requests it) Discussing how prayer, worship, or meditation can be grounding tools Helping clients process spiritual doubts, guilt, or identity conflicts Encouraging alignment between therapeutic goals and the client’s values This approach allows clients to bring their whole selves into therapy—mind, body, and spirit—while still receiving structured, clinically sound treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
“I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice because it provides clients with concrete, practical tools they can apply in their daily lives. My experience with CBT has shown that when clients learn to recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, they often experience meaningful improvements in mood, behavior, and overall functioning. In sessions, I guide clients through identifying automatic thoughts, exploring how those thoughts influence emotions and actions, and developing more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. I also incorporate behavioral strategies—such as coping‑skill development, problem‑solving, and structured practice between sessions—to help clients build confidence and consistency. CBT works especially well when clients appreciate structure and want to understand the ‘why’ behind their reactions. I use it flexibly, adapting the techniques to each client’s developmental level, cultural background, and personal goals.”
Strength-Based
My Experience With Strengths‑Based Therapy I regularly incorporate strengths‑based principles into my clinical work because it helps clients recognize their own capacity for change. Many clients come into therapy feeling overwhelmed by symptoms, stressors, or past experiences. Highlighting their strengths—rather than focusing solely on problems—creates a more hopeful, motivating, and collaborative therapeutic environment. Over time, I’ve found that when clients see themselves as capable, they engage more fully in treatment, take more ownership of their progress, and develop stronger coping skills. How I Use It in Practice In my practice, I use strengths‑based therapy in ways that are: Collaborative: I work with clients to identify strengths they may not recognize in themselves. Empowering: I help clients use their strengths to navigate challenges, build coping strategies, and set realistic goals. Integrated: Strengths‑based work is woven into CBT, behavioral strategies, and psychoeducation to reinforce progress. Developmentally appropriate: With children and adolescents, I highlight strengths through play, storytelling, and skill‑building activities. Culturally responsive: I consider the client’s cultural, family, and community strengths as part of the therapeutic process. Examples of how this shows up in session: Helping a client reframe a “problem” behavior into a strength (e.g., “You’re not stubborn—you’re persistent, and we can use that persistence to help you manage anxiety.”) Identifying past successes and using them as templates for current challenges Encouraging clients to recognize their own progress and resilience Using strengths to build treatment goals that feel achievable and motivating Supporting parents in recognizing their child’s strengths to improve family dynamics This approach helps clients build confidence, develop healthier self‑perceptions, and feel more in control of their therapeutic journey.