Hello from Minnesota! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). After working in the Social Services/Mental Health field for a number of years, I returned as a non-traditional student to get my master's degree in social work. The past 10 years I worked as a Clinical Supervisor and Therapist supporting adults who were working toward their own mental health recovery. I recently started my private practice and am excited for this new opportunity. Go ahead and book a time with me that works for you.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I will send you required paperwork prior to our first session. If you are able to complete this before we meet, this would be great! This will help me learn about you and the reason you chose to see me. I also want to get your initial questions answered. Most importantly, our initial visit will help us become acquainted and develop your plan for moving forward in a way that feels transformative, encouraging and most importantly, hopeful. Scheduling a time with me is a great first step!
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I think my greatest strengths as a provider are being warm and open. I want you to feel safe in sharing with me. I have used a number of therapeutic interventions over the past many years that have resulted in an improved quality of life for my clients. I am very knowledgeable about community resources throughout the State of Minnesota and can be an excellent partner in navigating other services as necessary. I believe that a therapeutic partnership of respect and understanding is critical in promoting your hope, healing and harmony. I love to see the progress and healing within each of my clients.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am dedicated to partnering with any adult who has a sincere desire to pursue their personal recovery, regardless of the complexity of their journey. If a belief in a higher power is central to your life, I welcome the opportunity to integrate that resource into your healing process. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique motivations and barriers. Within our shared safe space, I utilize compassion and encouragement to help you build sustainable life skills. While I am here to help you navigate the challenges, you remain the "captain of your ship"—empowered and in charge of your own therapeutic progress. I invest significant time between sessions reviewing your history and sourcing personalized resources to ensure our time together is impactful. To maintain the integrity of our work, I require a commitment to regular attendance and a prior confirmation of insurance coverage through Grow. Open communication is vital; if barriers to attendance arise, we will address them together via Grow messenger to ensure we stay aligned with your goals. I want to be fully transparent that, if you have 2 “no-shows” or 30 days without a planned visit, Grow recommends I close your services so that other clients can be served. That doesn’t usually feel good, so I want us to communicate so this doesn’t happen.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT can help anyone to challenge their reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety with increased self-awareness. Together, we’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life resulting in more hope and harmony. I have seen CBT work well for many years.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness brings peace through practice focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase positive thinking by doing pleasant activities. This is a very safe practice and can be lead my me or by yourself privately. I have practiced and taught mindfulness skills for over 20 years in a variety of situations and to people of all ages.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) helps you find the internal motivation to change situations as you wish. I often say that you are the "captain of your ship", but I am eager to help support you and evoke ideas building on your strengths and managing your fears. This is a partnership where we safely navigate situations together towards recovery. I have used MI for 20+ years.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT skills training has been part of my practice for many years. I have supported individuals in group DBT and individual treatment. Although it is the most effective, evidenced-based treatment for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, I have found it to be successfully used in a variety of other treatment plans. It is a great supplement to mindfulness skills training. In addition, it has helped individuals gain insight and learn to manage interpersonal conflicts at home, work, and community. Learning DBT skills helps to manage difficult life changes, big emotions like anger and emotions that have affected relationships, and impulsive behaviors.