Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Encouraging others to explore counseling has been a consistent part of my identity long before I chose counseling as my career path. We all bring a unique combination of perspectives, life experiences, resilience, worldviews, beliefs, personalities, and values that profoundly influence our personal growth and healing journeys. As your therapist, my role extends beyond understanding these facets of your life; it involves creating a safe, accepting, non-judgmental space where you feel empowered to pursue healing and growth. I aim to equip you with tools and skills that extend beyond our sessions.

A quote I find particularly meaningful is, “Remember, when you forgive, you heal. And when you let go, you grow.” Although the author is unknown, its power resonates deeply with me. Therapy serves as a place not only for tears, laughter, grieving, and celebration but also as a space where you can come to terms with your experiences and release the pain inflicted by others. My objective is to establish therapy as a sanctuary where you can expect to receive love and compassion, regardless of the challenges you face.

What to Expect in Therapy

Coming from a family that was not initially supportive of counseling, I understand the challenges of entering into therapy. It can feel daunting to pursue something without a history of encouragement, and the prospect of opening up to a stranger can add to that intimidation.

My goal as your counselor is twofold: to create a safe and welcoming space where you feel completely accepted, and to help uncover parts of yourself that may have been overshadowed by past circumstances. Counseling is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather, should be tailored to meet your unique needs. We all process and cope with challenges differently, and my commitment is to support you throughout your personal journey.

A quote by the poet Jariella resonates deeply with me in the context of counseling, “If flowers can bloom from cracks in concrete then I too shall bloom from dark tar days.” Similar to the sentiment of “no rain, no flowers,” it underscores the possibility of finding beauty and growth even after experiencing adversity. The essence of therapy lies in helping you discover that beauty in your own life.

Establishing transparent communication between us is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of our approach. In our initial sessions, we will clarify your goals and expectations for counseling, build a strong rapport, and ensure you feel safe and trusting in our therapeutic relationship.

I recognize and respect the diversity of our individual spiritual journeys. If incorporating prayer, scripture, or spiritual practices is meaningful to you, I am happy to integrate these into our sessions. I can also include music, literature, poetry, art, and other therapeutic activities to enrich your healing process, always with your preferences and comfort in mind.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

Initially, my aspiration was to pursue veterinary medicine due to my upbringing on a farm and early exposure to animal care. However, during my freshman year of undergrad, I experienced a profound intervention in my life that redirected my path toward counseling—a calling I believe God has placed on my life.

Since then, I have been deeply involved in mentoring middle and high school and college-aged girls who have faced histories of abuse, neglect, and spiritual trauma. This experience has shaped my academic focus on trauma and childhood-related studies.

Prior to interning here at Cornerstone, I served as a school counselor in Anchorage, Alaska where I aided individuals coping with trauma. Subsequently, I worked as a Behavioral Health Technician supporting toddlers with lower-functioning autism spectrum disorders. At Denver Health Hospital, I contributed to the adolescent unit where I assisted patients with various diagnoses and substance use challenges.

Most recently, I have been involved with an outpatient social work organization dedicated to providing wraparound services that integrate all facets of a client’s life to foster positive progress in mental health and executive functioning.

Personal Interests

I embody the classic Colorado lifestyle, embracing rock climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking, and all things active in the outdoors—except for mountain biking. Thrilling activities like skydiving, cliff jumping, and my recent passion, Via Ferrata, also capture my adventurous spirit. When I’m not outdoors, I find joy in diving into dramatic TV shows and indulging in a good read.

Having relocated from Alaska in 2023, I’ve been enjoying exploring Colorado and discovering its myriad activities. While adjusting to the heat has been a challenge, the wealth of outdoor adventures has made it all worthwhile.