Licensed Professional Counselor
I believe that the foundation of successful counseling is a collaborative relationship built on active listening, safety, empathy, and clear direction. I strive to create a dedicated, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your authentic self and feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I value the importance of validation, practical psychoeducation, and personalized care that builds on your unique strengths and needs. My goal is to empower you with effective therapeutic tools that you can carry into your everyday life, helping you navigate challenges, develop greater self-awareness, and create meaningful change.
I earned my master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology from Capella University. Over the past decade, I have gained extensive experience across the continuum of mental health care, beginning with an internship in a forensic state hospital before moving into inpatient mental health care and crisis intervention in local emergency rooms. These experiences provided me with a strong foundation for supporting individuals experiencing significant emotional distress and complex mental health challenges.
With a passion for structured, evidence-based treatment, I completed intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training through the DBT Institute of Michigan and served as the DBT Team Lead at an adult day hospital and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Before joining As You Are Counseling, I also spent several years working as an outpatient therapist. My clinical background allows me to draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to meet clients where they are and support them in developing practical skills for emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and improved overall well-being.
I work with adolescents ages 16 and older, adults, and older adults aged 65 and above. My areas of focus include life transitions, work-life stress, relationship dynamics, marriage counseling, and religious deconstruction. I also support individuals navigating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), depression, and severe anxiety.
My specialized areas of experience include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recovery from domestic violence and abuse, support for adult children of alcoholics (ACOA), and perinatal mental health concerns, including pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, birth trauma, and grief. Additionally, I work with individuals navigating post-bariatric surgery adjustments, body image concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, sleep disturbances, technology addiction, and sports performance.
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and individualized, drawing primarily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and person-centered therapy. I also incorporate trauma-focused interventions, somatic practices, mindfulness, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing to support each client’s unique goals. I believe therapy should provide both a safe space to explore difficult experiences and practical strategies for navigating everyday life. Together, we can work toward greater emotional balance, resilience, self-understanding, and lasting growth.
Outside of the office, I cherish spending quality time with my husband and children. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, cooking, weightlifting, and spending time by my pool or in my garden.
