(she/her)
Hey there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Kentucky. I began working as a therapist in 2020 after graduating with my Masters degree from the University of Kentucky, which I attended after earning my Bachelors degree from Eastern Kentucky University. I have experience working with all ages, as well as many different presenting issues and diagnoses. I also have a lot of experience in working with clients who have experienced trauma(s).
First sessions are typically always the scariest for everyone. The first sessions usually involve some basic assessments/questions, but I like to try and focus on building rapport for a big majority of the first session! Building a good rapport allows clients to feel more comfortable when meeting with a therapist, especially when it comes to heavy things like trauma, so I try to ensure that my clients feel comfortable talking with me before diving right in.
Having worked with children/adolescents since starting as a therapist, I feel that I have been able to really build on my rapport building skills, as it can be difficult for children to begin to explore some of the things that bother them especially to a new adult! Meeting clients where they are is my main goal as a therapist. So every client may need something a little different and I try to stay prepared for those differences!
I have the most experience in working with children/adolescents, however, I enjoy working with adults as well. My goal as a therapist is to meet all of my clients where they are currently at, which means something a little different for each client that I work with! I understand that therapy can be difficult and takes a lot of courage to even take the first step in booking that first session. As long as you are willing to show up, I will do the same.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on the idea that our thoughts, behaviors and feelings/emotions are all connected. CBT also looks at focusing on changing certain thoughts or behaviors, which can also help our emotions/feelings in positive ways, as our distressing thoughts and behaviors often influence our emotions/feelings.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma focused CBT is a lot like CBT in that we are focusing on thoughts and behaviors but in relation to trauma/traumatic events that may have happened. This approach helps to explore and process the trauma/traumatic event while also working on learning different skills to help overcome different trauma related symptoms/difficulties.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence based intervention that is commonly used for trauma(s) but can be used for other presenting issues as well! It can seem a little odd at first, as it is not your typical talk therapy that most of us are used to, so I make sure that my clients are prepared and educated about what EMDR is/looks like before getting into the treatment.