LMHC, 8 years of experience
I am a farm boy from Minnesota who, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and losing a career in banking, suffered and endured a few years of physical and emotional health instability. My own journey of having my story and heart cared for by a compassionate yet sturdy mentor and friend led me to reconnect with a desire to help people, a desire that I had some knowledge of but had not yet cultivated. My wife and I met during my career transition, and after enduring infertility treatments we adopted 2 boys, whom I am daily delighted by. My story is messy and beautiful, and my ability to own my insecurities, weaknesses, and failures has led me to know a strength that I did not know existed before. I want to help others experience the kind of sturdiness that I know operate with, at least most of the time!
Clients can expect a soft voice, a curious and compassionate heart, and a resilient pursuer of truth. I will not shy away from difficult conversations, but you will not be judged by anything you say in the context of our work. The nature of our relationship means that a client, very literally, can not disappoint me.
I believe that my ability to build rapport quickly with clients from all backgrounds is unique among providers. I have worked successfully with clients of diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, experiences, and social classes. My attunement to what is happening in the moment, in a client's body and mind, allows clients to feel seen in a way that many have not experienced before.
If you have the ability to be curious about your story, about how others experience you, and are interested in engaging in values that are authentic to you, I believe we can do great work together. If you are plagued by a harsh inner critic, struggle to be kind to yourself and others, I think I could be a good fit for you. If you have trauma, or secrets that you have never trusted another person with, take the chance. Our bodies are not meant to hold that kind of stress within. I believe that shame keeps people from living a rich and meaningful life, but it does not have to be that way anymore!
I believe that our stories have a tremendous impact on the development of our nervous system from a early age. Our ability to self regulate is highly dependent on the coregulation of our primary caregivers. Because we are blessed with neuroplasticity, our ability to learn how to self regulate remains long into adulthood. I want to help clients pay attention to how their bodies are responding to stressors, and together work to rewire the neural networks that lead to resilience.
I believe that God is a God of relationship, and of story. I want to help clients pay attention to their stories in such a way that will help them make sense of how they relate to others, and use their core values to help write a new story that helps them to thrive in their relationships, which correlates strongly with improved mental health.