LPC, 17 years of experience
New to Grow
Of all the things I could say about myself, my favorite way to describe myself is "a safe person." Above all, I strive to create a safe space for my clients to work through their counseling goals. I want to support you using the best tools available to improve your mental health. I am a counseling professor and supervisor, licensed since 2008 and working with a variety of people. Teaching has given me the opportunity to train others on evidence-based techniques, but I also love getting the opportunity to continue to use these skills with clients.
The first session can be quite different from all our other sessions. I like to start by really understanding your history, background, and scope of why you have come to counseling. We'll review all your intake paperwork and talk about your goals -- what do you hope is true about you when you finish counseling? We'll also talk about possible treatment approaches that could best help you accomplish your goals. Session two and following, we'll get to work! That's when we'll have more time to dig deep and explore. Sometimes in the first session, I take notes or type. In all other sessions, I never take notes or type unless we are working on something together where we are both making a list, brainstorming, or completing a worksheet together.
There is certainly not one picture of the "perfect counselor." I love to help clients make connections, work on new skills, and explore deep feelings. I stay connected to techniques that have been shown to work, so my clients tend to start to feel better in a few sessions. Those that I have worked with for a few months or a year often see genuine life transformation. All of this works well if you are really ready to dive in and lean into the process. Those who are looking for spiritually-integrated counseling also tend to feel supported in a holistic way when in counseling with me. All the parts of you are welcome here!
My favorite clients are people who are interested in really getting to the root of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I imagine therapy as the two of us sitting in a garden pulling up some weeds together. Once we clear the soil, it's time to do some planting! I love planting new seeds by helping you think new thoughts and try new ways of living. I enjoy watching clients start to feel better about themselves and make new mental connections. I always find myself genuinely rooting for my clients -- a win for you is a win for me too!
I use a combination of evidence-based techniques, most of which are known as "third wave" CBT. These approaches help with emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility. I help clients identify their automatic negative thoughts and examine them more closely to retrain the brain and disrupt negative thinking patterns.
I enjoy using ACT to help clients identify their values and work towards on-purpose living.
I have many years of experience in church settings working with Christian clients. For those who are seeking Christian faith-integration to understand their spiritual and emotional health, I am happy to provide this service.
I enjoy using IFS with clients who like abstract, insight-oriented work. I have done a variety of types of inner-child work, and IFS helps strengthen the core self to balance all the parts of you that live in tension and conflict. Think "Inside Out"!
I am trained in CAMS and use this with clients with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts. If you have a plan or intent to harm yourself, CAMS is not for you and you should call 988 or go to an ER immediately. However, if suicidal thoughts or wishes for death are an ongoing part of your depression symptoms, CAMS can help us work on the underlying reasons for those thoughts.