(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the State of Ohio who has over 20 years of experience treating a variety of mental health conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, children, families, and couples. I have a special heart for adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD or suspect they may have it, as I myself was diagnosed with it as an adult. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities in session such as CBT, DBT, and person centered/eclectic approaches. Additionally, I am a Christian and use this belief system in the therapy session for those who desire it, while also respecting people who believe differently. I have worked extensively with people who have undergone trauma in their lives, as well as people who are grieving and questioning things spiritually. Essentially, we all have the same needs, and often the similar wounds. I will meet you where you are and walk with you on the path to healing.
Our first session will be a time for you to get to know me, and for me to get to know you. In counseling there is always paperwork (usually for me to fill out!) so we will complete the diagnostic assessment, which will help us to know the best course of action to take for you to feel better and be whole. I am actually quite informal in my approach and try my best to help people feel comfortable. I have been told I am friendly and make people feel at ease, which is what i hope to do for you too!
I use a variety of treatment methods because I believe there is no one modality that fits everything we go through in life. My therapeutic approach is mainly along the lines of remembering what its like to be on the other side of the desk. One of my strengths is the warmth of my personality, which makes people feel welcomed. I also use humor (appropriately) in session. I'd like to think that i have a little bit of wisdom to give as well as to learn from my clients.
I am best positioned to serve those people who desire change in their lives--those who know they need healing and simply may not know how to receive it. I enjoy working with people who simply want to feel better, want to have healthier relationships and realize healthy relationships with family and friends begin with a healthy relationship with oneself. I understand what its like to struggle in life, as I have had my own battles with ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief/loss and chronic physical health conditions. I think this makes me better able to hear and understand the struggles of my clients.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I believe if we can change how we think about ourselves, the situations we find ourselves in, or our life in general, we can change how we feel and the decisions we make in life.
Christian Counseling
My faith is the center of all I do in life. Personally, the healing that I have in life has been because of Jesus. So this is the foundation of how I counsel others. If people desire counseling from a Christian perspective then I include prayer, Scripture passages, and calling upon God in session. However, many of the people I see do not believe in God or do not want faith as part of the counseling session, and I respect that as well. Part of living my own faith, means that I meet people where they are at and respect their boundaries, as Jesus did.
Couples Counseling
Along with seeing individuals, I also see couples too. Whether married or unmarried, I believe the health of the relationship is of primary concern. My only limit in seeing couples is that if there has been physical abuse or domestic violence in the relationship, then I will not see the couple, and instead recommend people get individual counseling for each person in the relationship.
Grief Therapy
I am acquainted with my own grief in life, and I have found that often grief underlies much of what we experience in life, whether it is the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job. Many changes in life can result in grief. Grief is something that must be processed so it does not create more problems later on.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe that often people need to feel listened to, understood, and validated in their own experiences before change can occur.