LCSW, 5 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of experience in the mental health field. I initially began in the mental health field while completing my undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University. Following my undergraduate degree, I further expanded my work in the mental health field and began my Masters of Social Work program while working as a Behavioral Health Specialist at a community mental health agency. In May 2019, I completed my MSW degree and began my clinical practice. I have experience with group, individual, and family therapy and have worked with adults ranging in age from 18 to 65 years of age and in all stages of life. Many clients came to me with significant difficulties in daily life functioning and through services, time, effort, and dedication most saw significant improvement in functioning in day to day life. I have experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and grief/loss to name a few. I believe in working in partnership with clients to utilize their strengths to help them sort out their challenges and achieve their goals. I also realize how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual’s life that impact their well-being including their physical health, support systems (family, friends, etc.), work or school environment, and faith/spirituality in this process.
First and foremost, I am so proud of everyone who makes the decision to seek therapy for themselves. The initial session can be scary and intimating so I do my very best to create a safe, warm, and welling environment to help set the foundation for a productive working therapeutic relationship. After an intake appointment with me, you may be excited for your next session, or you may be left feeling drained and unsure. It's typical to experience a full range of emotional reactions throughout the course of therapy, and the first appointment in particular can be a bit of a rollercoaster. The first session is also for you to get to know me. This is a chance for you to make sure you feel comfortable with me and gauge your own feelings about continuing the working relationship. It is also for me to check they have the skills and expertise to support you. It will include introductions, contracting and a chance for you to tell your story and explain the problems you're experiencing in a safe and welcoming space.
I am passionate about mental health and supporting clients through a wide range of life stages. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work and support clients and I love seeing my clients grow into happier, healthier, and more productive versions of themselves. I really enjoy working with clients in transitional stages of life and helping to navigate change and future life plans. I am passionate about bringing awareness to mental health concerns in schools, the workplace, and in the community as a whole. Along my journey of raising awareness for mental health and breaking down the stigma, I have had the opportunity to work with great clients and I am looking forward to working with more in the future.
Teens and young adults Adults struggling with anxiety and work related problems Individuals or couples struggling with problems in their relationship
CBT is one of my favorite forms of treatment because it allows the client to identify and recognize the patterns that lead to trouble within their day to day life. CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive and productive way by breaking them down into smaller and more manageable parts. You're shown how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel. Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy for clients who experience emotions very intensely and extremely. It’s a common therapy for clients dealing with borderline personality disorder, but it is also utilized for other mental health conditions as well.
Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. It is a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes. I utilize Motivational Interviewing practices to help create open and honest communication from clients and to allow them to be the driving force in the therapeutic relationship.
TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers. It is a components-based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques.