New to Grow
Welcome! I am the founder of Pawprint Pathway Counseling, PLLC and a dedicated therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. Licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois, I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I also possess deep expertise in supporting children and teens facing school difficulties, social challenges, and behavioral concerns. My approach is warm and eclectic, utilizing methods like EMDR, Play Therapy, and CBT to help you or your child find balance and lasting healing.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another in a low-pressure environment. We'll discuss your background, what brings you to therapy, and your goals, whether that's processing past trauma, substance use or helping your child with school behaviors. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, so we will take it one step at a time. I’ll also explain how we might use tools like EMDR or expressive therapies to help you heal. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap of how we can move forward together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength is my ability to be truly eclectic based on your needs. With over 20 years of experience, I don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, I customize our sessions by pulling from a robust toolbox of evidence-based methods. Depending on what you are facing, I can seamlessly integrate EMDR for deep trauma processing, DBT and ACT for emotional regulation, or CBT for changing negative thought patterns. For clients needing immediate momentum, I utilize Solution-Focused and Strength-Based techniques to build on the resilience you already have. This flexibility allows me to pivot strategies based on what you need in the moment.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who feel "stuck" in old patterns and are looking for real change, not just a place to vent. Whether you are an adult wrestling with past trauma and substance use, or a parent worried about a child who is acting out, I am best positioned to serve those open to active, hands-on methods. My ideal client is willing to go beyond just "talking." For adults, this often means using EMDR to process trauma that feels physically trapped in the body. For children, teens, or creative adults, this means using expressive therapies, like sandtray, Legos, or art, to communicate when words aren't enough. I am here for those ready to try these creative, evidence-based paths to healing.
EMDR
I am officially trained in EMDR, having completed my comprehensive training curriculum from July 2025 to January 2026. I use this powerful method to help clients who feel held back by trauma, anxiety, or negative core beliefs (like 'I am not good enough'). We won't dive into the deep end immediately; I prioritize preparation and safety first. Once you are ready, we will use EMDR to reprocess the roots of your distress, allowing you to let go of the heavy emotional baggage you’ve been carrying.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) since 2006, beginning with my work in substance abuse recovery and expanding to specialize with children and teens in 2014. Because I have used this method for nearly two decades across different populations, I know how to tailor it to fit your unique learning style. In our sessions, we will identify the thought patterns keeping you stuck, whether related to past habits, anxiety, or daily stress, and build practical skills to change them.
Sandplay
Sometimes, experiences are too deep or confusing to put into words, even for adults. I use Sandtray Therapy to help you express these internal conflicts non-verbally. By arranging miniature figures in a tray of sand, you create a visual representation of your world. This helps us uncover unconscious struggles and find solutions that your rational mind might have missed.