Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Sometimes, our lives take turns that we never expected, we make choices that we regret, or we feel disoriented and lost. Part of figuring out where we are and where we want to go next is understanding the life experiences, relationships, and beliefs that have brought us here. We need safe and trusted relationships in our lives to help us do this, especially when life is hard and we feel alone. My role in therapy is to be one of those safe relationships for you (or your loved one) in this season of your life, while supporting your growth and empowering you to build meaningful connections in your community. 

I am a welcoming and compassionate listener who knows what it is like to sit with hard questions, big feelings, and vulnerable stories. I believe that each person’s life (yours included!) is purposeful and precious to God and that faith, Scripture, and therapy can come together in ways that lead to your flourishing and hope. 

What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy for the first time (or starting therapy with a new therapist) can feel uncertain, unknown, and even scary. Beginning something new is challenging, especially at a time when you are looking for healing, change, or extra support. You are brave, and you are taking an important step forward!

Therapy is a “come as you are” process; you don’t have to pick up the pieces first, pretend like life is better or worse than it is, or justify how you are feeling. My hope is that therapy will be a safe place for you to ask any question, to bring your doubts and your hopes, to share your pain, and to be empowered to take your insights and growth into your daily life.

During our first sessions, we will focus on answering any questions you have about the process of therapy and take time to get to know each other and collaboratively create a few goals. Through compassionate questions, learning new skills, exploring the things that are important to you, and bringing in neurobiology and faith where they are helpful and relevant, we will walk towards the purposeful and precious life that is meant to be yours. 

Each person enters therapy at different places with faith, and I will meet you wherever you are. I am happy to incorporate Scripture and prayer into our sessions if you want those things to be part of the therapy process.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

My interest in therapy began in high school, and I have always loved stories. My love of stories led to an English degree from Texas A&M University, but my interest in therapy didn’t become a reality until the arrival of COVID. When COVID hit in 2020, I was living in Eastern Europe and working in full-time ministry. At the time, the mental health needs were widespread, and I knew that I wanted more training in order to support the mental health of students and those around me in a more holistic way. In 2021, I moved to Colorado and started school at Denver Seminary in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which I hope to finish in August 2025.

Working in higher education and in student ministry has given me a passion for helping teens and adults make sense of their story, as well as understand and live into their identity in Christ. At the same time, both of those settings also taught me how to sit with people from different spiritual backgrounds while holding their important questions, concerns, and doubts. In my practicum experience, I have worked with adults and couples navigating grief, life transitions, chronic health issues, and relational communication and conflict. Wherever you may find yourself in your life right now, I want to walk alongside you towards your flourishing and wholeness.

Personal Interests

As an English major, I feel like I can’t have a good bio without saying something about books! My favorite English class in college was a young adult literature class, which led me to read the Percy Jackson series and the Harry Potter series for the first time. I also read The Chronicles of Narnia series for the first time two years ago and can’t seem to get enough of those “kids against the world”, good versus evil adventure stories.

I could also listen to music all day every day and love to play guitar and sing. I grew up on the music of my parents’ generation, so I love the “golden oldies” as much as the new stuff! When I’m feeling creative, I enjoy writing music, poetry, and stories.

On my weekends, there is nothing quite as restorative and fun for me as a day that includes spending some time with God over a cup of coffee, taking a long bike ride along the Platte or a new trail, and connecting with close friends over good conversation and a home-cooked meal.