LPC, 25 years of experience
New to Grow
Life presents each of us with a unique journey. As a counselor I join with you to support growth, work through difficulties and create successful outcomes. I take a systemic approach in my counseling and journey with individuals and couples. Systemic therapy addresses people both at the individual level, as well as taking into account broader relationships, patterns, and generational context. After serving in the US Army, I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Wheaton College and earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Geneva College. I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience. My experience includes both administrative and clinical roles within mental health settings: outpatient counseling, partial hospitalization programs, and substance abuse counseling. I have served as the Director of Behavioral Health Services, Program Director of foster care & adoption services, and as Executive Director of a nonprofit counseling center.
Your first session is about building a foundation of trust and clarity. We’ll start with a conversation about your goals, concerns, and what brings you to counseling. I’ll ask questions to better understand your history, strengths, and current challenges, while also explaining how counseling works and answering any questions you may have. Together, we’ll outline initial goals and discuss practical next steps. The focus is on creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to begin your journey.
I help individuals and couples find clarity, resilience, and practical strategies for lasting change. With training in evidence-based therapies CBT, I guide clients through challenges with compassion and structure. My focus is on creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore new perspectives, build coping skills, and move toward the life you desire. Counseling with me is collaborative, goal-oriented, and grounded in both empathy and integrity.
Clients who experience the best outcomes in working with me have motivation for personal growth, are open to self-reflection, and are able to express their needs and desired goals.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in counseling to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors. As your counselor, I will guide you to challenge distorted beliefs, practice healthier coping strategies, and develop problem-solving skills. Through structured sessions, you learn to replace unhelpful thoughts with balanced perspectives, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. CBT emphasizes collaboration, goal-setting, and practical exercises, empowering you to build resilience and sustain long-term emotional well-being.
Couples counseling is beneficial in helping partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connection. As a couple you will be guided in identifying unhealthy patterns, exploring underlying issues, and practicing constructive problem-solving. Techniques often include active listening, empathy-building, and structured dialogue to create mutual understanding. Expected results include experiencing a healthier relationships reduced distress, and being equiped as a couple with tools to navigate challenges while promoting long-term relational growth and resilience.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) is an approach I use to help clients identify strengths, resources, and practical steps toward a desired change. Instead of focusing on problems or past difficulties, you will be guided to envision preferred outcomes and build on existing successes. Through targeted questions and goal-setting, you will develop actionable strategies that create hope and progress. SFBT emphasizes collaboration, efficiency, and empowerment, making it especially effective for short-term counseling and promoting sustainable, solution-oriented growth.