(she/her)
Over the last 25 years I have gained experience as a social worker. First as a case manager with my Bachelors in Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 2000. Next as a therapist after earning my Masters of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in May 2005. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to further my skills in Michigan, North Carolina and Maine. I have had the privilege of gaining extensive experience working with individuals and groups (teens and adults, active duty service men and women and their families, veterans and civilians). Some client concerns include those struggling with: depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, stress management, grief, loss, gender identity, LGBTQ+ concerns, sexuality, aging, end of life, care taking of ill family/elderly, self-care concerns, and other life disruptions. I also have extensive experience working with First Responders, Health Care Professionals, Educators, and others in helping professions. In my down time, I enjoy spending time with my two Blue Heelers, my partner, my family and being outside. Reading, exploring nature, riding my bike and taking road trips help breathe life into my world. I love a good laugh, good music and the colorful world around us. Being present in your life is more than just attending events but being attentive and experiencing your life: the aromas, the textures, the sensations, the sounds and music of the world. Blink and you will miss it.
Our first session will focus on getting to know more about what brings you in. It does not mean you need to share everything about yourself if you are not ready. We do have an intake assessment to complete but we can complete it in time, no need to rush things and share personal things that are difficult to share with a complete stranger if you are not ready. Of course I am here for anything you need to share and feel compelled to release, so please do not feel the need to keep things back if you want to share. We move at the speed you need or want. An important part of therapy is how you feel with me, the therapist. At first you may be anxious and uncertain, can I be trusted? Am I the right person for you to talk to about these things? I would like reassure you that this is normal while also letting you know we can talk about this openly. Feeling unsure is normal when he first meet and if you do not become more at ease as we meet again and in follow up sessions, I will check in with you. Therefore I hope you will be able to share if you would like to find an alternative provider. I would be most happy to help you find someone you feel more comfortable with if I am able, to call your insurance company with you or recommend other providers I know in the area who may meet your preferences and/our needs.
I have been told by clients one of my greatest strengths is the sense of being genuine with them. I have been told including clients in every process of therapy has been different for those who have been in treatment before as they were not part of their treatment planning process in the past, they were not asked if they were comfortable etc. This is important to our treatment process: if you are more concerned about our therapeutic relationship it detracts from your progress on your own goals. I am able to help you stay focused on your goals which helps you make meaningful change.
It is a privilege to be invited into people’s lives, for them to share their journey and experiences with me, to listen and share in their challenges. It is important to consider you as the expert in your own life and me more as an outside observer. I can offer insight and skills for you to discover their usefulness, to see if they fit your needs. We process together the concerns you have integrating numerous therapeutic approaches. You may trust that I will be authentic and genuine with you from the beginning as this is an important aspect of therapy. Making that call and keeping that first appointment can be such a hard thing to do, you deserve that honesty and integrity from the start. Over the last 25 years I have gained experience as a social worker. First as a case manager with my Bachelors in Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 2000. Next as a therapist after earning my Masters of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in May 2005. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to further my skills in Michigan, North Carolina and Maine. I have had the privilege of gaining extensive experience working with individuals and groups (teens and adults, active duty service men and women and their families, veterans and civilians). Some client concerns include those struggling with: depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, stress management, grief, loss, gender identity, LGBTQ+ concerns, sexuality, aging, end of life, care taking of ill family/elderly, self-care concerns, and other life disruptions. I also have extensive experience working with First Responders, Health Care Professionals, Educators, and others in helping professions.
EMDR
Engaged in HAP training and have engaged in this with clients for over 10 years. Have had much success in assisting with clients struggling with trauma effects, anxiety, mood disorders and the like in lessening impacts and long lasting struggles per self reports of clients and clinical assessment tools.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Engaged in multiple training over the years including Trauma Focused CBT earning my national certification 12 years ago. Engage this with teens as the main population and adapt characteristics with adults and families.
Compassion Focused
Engage clients where they are, using their own expertise with their lives to build treatment goals and objectives directing care.
Trauma Informed Care
Engage best practices of field by staying informed about studies and recent research, to make sure up to date on latest findings. Integrate these practices into treatment with clients as they apply to situations with each person and situation. Share such information with those in which I engage as a consultant and supervisor and assist others in learning and improving their expertise. Assist clients in learning more about how trauma and life experiences have impacted their lives through psych-education about logical and emotional brain functions and how this impacts decisions and relationships throughout the life cycle.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Engaged in intensive training years ago when this was first developed and again 12 years ago when the developed the certification. Maintain certification to keep up to date with information and utilize this with age appropriate clients to assist in improving life and understanding for those clients and their families.