My love and passion for counseling comes from the first-hand experience of the power of the therapeutic process as well as a deep compassion for people struggling with their mental health. As a parent, wife and daughter, engaging in therapy is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When we are able do our own work in therapy, we can become better versions of ourselves and live more meaningful, joyful and peaceful lives. I believe that the ripple-effect of healing, impacting those around us and the generations to come, is one of the most powerful forces possible.
It takes a great deal of strength to seek mental health services and to be vulnerable enough to let someone into the details of your life. I am honored to be given the opportunity to hold that vulnerability well. My sincere hope is that when you’re in the room with me, you feel understood and emotionally safe, so that the process of growth and change can take place. I realize the sacrifices that are made to show up and engage in therapy. I strive for my clients to feel that our time together is supportive, compassionate, brings hope and is ultimately healing.
My education started with earning a bachelor’s degree in finance as well as a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Oklahoma State University. After working in the corporate arena, and finding it to be personally unfulfilling, I decided to make a big career shift and earned a master’s in community counseling from Oklahoma State University, in 2012. I am also a licensed professional counselor (LPC).
My clinical experience includes working with adults and couples in an outpatient therapy setting. I have also worked in an early childhood program as well as in the public-school system. The majority of my clinical experience has been working with children, and their caregivers, who have experienced trauma or family disruptions (divorce, foster care, adoption, etc.). My passion lies in helping parents (re)connect and engage with their children in ways that promote healthy and secure attachment, because we know that the relationship with the primary caregiver is the foundation for mental health and is a significant buffer to trauma and stress for children.
I believe in the power of connection and relationship in healing. The theoretical approaches I pull from are generally rooted in attachment theory. I am trained in TheraPlay (Level 1). I have caregiver training in Circle of Security and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), with plans to pursue clinical certification. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as well as Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), used to assist those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
When I’m not in the office, I’m likely running my two pre-teen/teen kids back and forth to their activities, spending time with my family or playing tennis! I also enjoy serving in our local church and nerding-out on the latest research or book in the therapy world!