Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
Our connectedness is part of our humanness. This is the very fabric that weaves us together. The hunger to be seen, and known, and heard, is what makes us human.
What brings us into counseling is feeling stuck — that part stands in the way of healthy connection. We feel broken, we feel shame, we feel wounded, we feel alone. Shame robs us of the ability to feel seen and heard, and it makes it very hard to see and hear others in return.
Counseling can provide the bridge from feeling stuck to finding wholeness again, as you work with a therapist who is safe, warm, and non-judgmental.
As your counselor, I will walk beside you, helping you navigate the hard parts of your story and partnering with you as we discover new and healthy ways to relate.
You are incredibly unique, so I will be intentional to meet you right where you are. Whether you need support as you go out into the world, as you interact with those closest to you, or as you own your story, I am here for you.
What to Expect in Therapy
As the wise Brene Brown wrote, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” By taking the step toward therapy you have already demonstrated such incredible courage! As your therapist, it is my desire to create an environment that is safe, authentic, and warm as we begin this journey together.
I believe the therapeutic relationship to be collaborative and equal; where we are partners as we create treatment goals and engage each week. I use various approaches in the counseling room, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), existential therapy, narrative therapy, spiritual integration, and grief therapy. I weave in creative interventions to allow you to engage your story in a new way and cultivate a different perspective.
Using a different part of your brain to creatively express what’s going on, often allows your mind to release those thoughts in a different way. Creative expression can be more meaningful and helpful than talk therapy at times.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
I graduated from Colorado Christian University (CCU) with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and literature. As my psychology classes continued, my hunger for knowledge grew. I was eager to use my heart for people for a greater purpose. After CCU, I worked at a local elementary school, assisting in the Affective Needs program and working directly with children needing social and emotional support.
I continued my education at Denver Seminary and received my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health in 2020. I completed my internship at a local mental health agency and also led small support groups at CCU. Once receiving my degree, I went back to CCU as an adjunct professor and taught a graduate-level course on developmental psychology, as well as aiding in courses on grief and loss.
To provide continuity of care for clients suffering from high levels of trauma, I was trained in various trauma and crisis interventions. My heart has only continued to grow in my love for people and my desire to be an effective and honorable helper in the counseling field.
I am currently working toward my certification to become a grief therapist and being able to offer my care to anyone struggling with loss.
Personal Interests
I love spending time with my family! Some of my favorite things to do are to bake, visit the library twice a week (my son is a voracious reader!) and belt out all musical theater music in the car. Being a mom is a wonderful adventure. I also love to paint, read, watch the Great British Bake Off, and play at the park with my son. My husband and I have a funny old cat named Gryffindor (yep, from Harry Potter!). We love to spend time with our church family, go on adventures, and do anything creative.
