LMFT, 26 years of experience
New to Grow
Over twenty-five years ago I moved to Knoxville, leaving my Midwestern background behind. While living in Knoxville, I earned my master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Johnson University. My professional journey has allowed me to work with a wide variety of people in numerous settings. I particularly like working with people facing addiction or compulsions, mood disorders, and challenges in relationships. Guided by a commitment to ensure that no pain is wasted, I find genuine fulfillment in learning from the experiences of others. This continual process has enriched my sense of compassion and empathy, making it profoundly rewarding to witness positive change in my clients’ lives.
Our first session is an opportunity for us to connect, allowing me to learn about you and understand what you hope to gain from therapy. My main goal is to ensure your experience is truly beneficial. If I determine that another therapist would better meet your needs, I am dedicated to helping you find one by reaching out to my professional network nationwide. I understand that everyone begins their therapeutic journey from a different place, moves forward at their own pace, and has faced their own unique challenges and losses. My hope as your therapist is to help you see and experience a better, more fulfilling future.
Although I am not originally from the Southeast, my curiosity and love of learning have shaped my approach to therapy. I bring a quick wit and a passion for personal growth to every session, believing that healthy relationships—with oneself and with others—form the foundation of a fulfilling life. To strengthen my ability to help others, I have invested in many professional trainings throughout my career. In 2025, I earned a certification for OCD treatment. Most recently completed an extensive training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy by a world renowned training psychiatrist, Frank Anderson, MD. Additionally, I am trained in other therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, couple’s counseling, ADHD management, and Faith-Based therapy.
Authenticity is a core value for me, and I strive to bring honesty and transparency to my work. I take pleasure in working with all types of people- from the black sheep, tattoo artist, retiree, and emerging young adult, we all have personal stories that are worth being told and we are all worthy of having a good future. Recently, I have especially enjoyed working with veterans who experience PTSD, those not native to the USA, and families across multiple generations.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the foundation for nearly all aspects of therapy. I believe it is necessary to teach the fundamentals as the first stepping stone to change.
I find that teaching skills to improve overall mental health, practical solutions for daily living, the ability to grieve, and resolving the roots of interpersonal relationship patterns are a necessity in life. I have seen anxiety become one of the most common issues people are seeking in therapy. ERP targets Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is one of the six types of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety, Panic, PTSD, Selective Mutism, and Separation Anxiety, ). OCD symptoms overflow into many areas of life, such as addiction, obsessively over-thinking, intrusive thoughts to harm yourself or others, feeling uncomfortable until something is not "just right". These thoughts are feelings can lead to guilt, shame, and resentment. I received a certification from the International OCD Foundation for Exposure Response Prevention, in 2025.
I have found that science and education do not especially give the peace and joy humans seek and need. Finding purpose in our suffering, knowing where we fit in, how to make the world a better place, and the unknown is not so scary lead to greater contentment and peace.
Not everyone has the time or means for traditional psychotherapy. Some people want answers and solutions, prefer direct feedback rather than a loosely structured session. I have many resources for individuals seeking knowledge or self help tools to make changes at their own pace.
Relationships are an integral part of daily life and often where people find fulfillment and joy in their day. IFS and The Gottman Method focus on how to cultivate healthy relationships and what to do when others have betrayed us or life hasn't gone as expected. I have completed over 40 hours of training from trauma specialist, Frank Anderson, MD, in IFS. The Gottman Method has principles outlined by John and Julie Gottman for creating and maintaining health relationships.