New to Grow
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field, having worked with people living with anxiety, depression, stress disorders, and addictions. I completed my Bachelors of Arts degree in Science Education at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. My experience as a teacher and urban missionary led to the decision to pursue and complete a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Webster University. I am a teacher at heart and I like to look at being a therapist is like being an unraveller. We will spend a great deal of time unravelling the threads that have helped shaped the way a person exists in the world and work to uncover the patterns and behaviors that keep them from experiencing the life they would like to have. Together we work towards creating a life that is more aware and intentional, aligned with what you value.
The first session is all about getting a picture of what brought you into therapy and a fuller understanding of who you are beyond the concerns that brought you in. We explore your values, strengths, areas of growth, important relationships, spirituality and parts of yourself that you may keep hidden from others. Think of it as "challenge-by-choice." While I may ask the questions, we go at your pace and throughout it all, you will make observations of yourself and identify areas that may need more support than others. I provide resources, tools and a safe space to simply be.
I believe the work I do is strengthened by the work I do within myself to grow and be better. My curiosity, love of learning and literature has reminded me to stay open to possibilities and multiple perspectives. I believe our minds operate from information that once was helpful and served a purpose but is no longer applicable as we age. Because I see every person as unique, I incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches with intention because one-size doesn't actually fit all when it comes to the mind.
Healing is a non-linear journey that ebbs and flows. Because I wouldn't ask something of my clients that I wouldnt be willing to do, someone who is invested in their growth, and willing to do the unfamiliar, seeing the therapeutic relationship as collaborative. I welcome conversations of all sorts and any topic a person finds meaningful in their experience. Goal-oriented, reflective and willing to engage both inside and outside the session. If you are a person who has a desire for change and apply insights, then let's meet.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my expereince when people are seeking support through therapy, they are looking for hands-on strategies to incorporate in their routine. Because I am of the mindset, we can not do better until we learn better. I use DBT to incorporate psychoeducation and dialectic thinking (two seemingly opposite things can be true at the same time) into treatment plan to build capacity and create safety.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
This has proven to be effective as I work with clients who are unlearning protective and/ or survival strategies used in childhood to accept and lead the different parts of themselves they have previously criticized or shamed.