My Beliefs on Counseling
I provide a safe, compassionate, and accepting environment in which my clients can be themselves and share their story. Each person has within them the ability to become who they were meant to be. I believe that many of our struggles can be overcome and understood by looking inside ourselves. I use a positive approach with my clients and stress the importance of self-care. I understand no two clients are the same, therefore the therapy process is unique to each person.
The Road to Becoming a Counselor
I have always enjoyed helping friends and family members through tough times. My decision to become a counselor was based on my personal experience. There were times when I felt completely alone in my journey and decided no one should have to feel like they're in it by themselves.
My Passion
My passion lies with individuals and couples within the adoption triad. I have special training in adoption competency that provided me with the knowledge to work in this area. I show sensitivity and compassion because I understand the challenges of waiting to become an adoptive parent. The amount of emotions and thoughts going through your head might include, "Will we ever get chosen as parents?" I have the ability to put myself in the shoes of birth parents and think, "Will I ever see my child again?" and "Is my child happy?" For adoptees, whether a child or an adult, you may be wondering, "Why was I abandoned?", "Was I loved?" and "Who am I?" Perhaps you've struggled with maintaining relationships, anxiety, and/or depression and not realize that they are connected to adoption. I want to be there to help you grieve or celebrate your situation.
I provide a safe, compassionate, and accepting environment in which my clients can be themselves and share their story. Each person has within them the ability to become who they were meant to be. I believe that many of our struggles can be overcome and understood by looking inside ourselves. I use a positive approach with my clients and stress the importance of self-care. I understand no two clients are the same, therefore the therapy process is unique to each person.
The Road to Becoming a Counselor
I have always enjoyed helping friends and family members through tough times. My decision to become a counselor was based on my personal experience. There were times when I felt completely alone in my journey and decided no one should have to feel like they're in it by themselves.
My Passion
My passion lies with individuals and couples within the adoption triad. I have special training in adoption competency that provided me with the knowledge to work in this area. I show sensitivity and compassion because I understand the challenges of waiting to become an adoptive parent. The amount of emotions and thoughts going through your head might include, "Will we ever get chosen as parents?" I have the ability to put myself in the shoes of birth parents and think, "Will I ever see my child again?" and "Is my child happy?" For adoptees, whether a child or an adult, you may be wondering, "Why was I abandoned?", "Was I loved?" and "Who am I?" Perhaps you've struggled with maintaining relationships, anxiety, and/or depression and not realize that they are connected to adoption. I want to be there to help you grieve or celebrate your situation.
Education
Master of Arts, Professional Counseling Lindenwood University, 2014 Bachelor of Science, Professional Writing Missouri State University, 2004 Continuing Education
Completed Level 1 Gottman Couples Therapy Method 7/2015 Completed Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy Method 9/2015 Completed Training for Adoption Competency 12/2016 Completed Level 1 Dyadic Developmental Practice, Psychotherapy and Parenting (DDP) 2/2019 |
Professional Organizations
American Counseling Association, member since 2012 |