(she/her)
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama and Oregon and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky. I received my Master's from Portland State University and my Doctorate in counseling from Oregon State University. I am a certified addiction specialist and certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-informed care. My role as a therapist is to help guide the client in the change process. To help with tools and provide support.
In our first session, we’ll begin with brief introductions before discussing your challenges. This will allow me to develop a customized plan for our follow-up sessions. Together, we will work on addressing your concerns, and I will provide ongoing support, monitor your progress, and adjust our counseling plan as needed. My goal is to support you throughout your journey of change.
I like to say that I use an integrative therapeutic approach. I often use behavioral therapy, both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am a firm believer in client-centered approaches and Motivational Interviewing. We'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience. In all that I do, I like to incorporate diversity and inclusion.
An ideal mental health client is someone open to making positive changes in their life. This willingness to change is crucial in the therapeutic process for clients who are open to self-awareness, have motivation, and are open to feedback.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to teach clients skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I encourage clients to practice these skills in real-life situations, helping them balance acceptance and change, ultimately fostering healthier relationships and improved emotional well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thoughts, guide cognitive restructuring, and encourage behavioral activation. I teach coping strategies, set achievable goals, and monitor progress to empower clients to change their thinking and behaviors for improved mental health and well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) in counseling by expressing empathy, developing discrepancies between clients' behaviors and goals, and rolling with resistance. I ask open-ended questions, support self-efficacy, affirm clients’ strengths, and summarize discussions to empower them and enhance their motivation for change.
Multicultural
I use multicultural and cultural sensitivity in my counseling; I stay aware of my biases and educate myself about diverse cultures. I practice active listening and tailor my approaches to clients' backgrounds. I empower them to share their identities and engage in ongoing training to enhance my understanding and effectiveness.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment, recognizing trauma signs while promoting strengths and cultural sensitivity in counseling practices.