Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

While there is no cure for pain, there are ingenuitive people who have studied it, given us tools to understand it, and equip us to live a fulfilling life despite it. One of my favorite things about therapy is how many theories, approaches, and interventions are out there to help us heal and grow. My job as your therapist is to hear your story and present you with empirically-based resources to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

One approach to therapy does not work for every person. There is no ‘one size fits all’. You have individualized needs, and together we will figure out what those needs are. We will collaborate on what works and what does not work for your treatment.

You are the expert of your story. As you share your story, I will listen and accept each part of it with open arms. Our sessions will be a space where you feel safe, loved, valued, appreciated, challenged, and empowered. It is never too late to change and become the individual you desire to be. All it takes is an open mind and willingness to commit to treatment. Our brains are malleable, and with the right tools, have the ability to think differently.

What to Expect in Therapy

Examining the deepest parts of who you are can be painful and scary. Maybe you’ve never been to therapy. Maybe you have but had an unpleasant experience. Maybe it’s felt like no one has ever really listened. Or maybe this is the first time you are putting yourself first. To you, let me say that I am sorry for the difficult experiences you’ve had that may have brought you to this point. You are welcome here and I am glad you came.

Two of the most important questions to ask yourself when beginning therapy are “Why am I here?” and “What do I want to get out of this?”. The answers to those two questions will help build your treatment plan. Setting goals gives us a road map. It gives us purpose and direction for your treatment, and we can always refer to it when you feel stuck. The treatment plan is collaborative and can be adjusted during our time together.

Therapy is about you. This is your time. It is one of the few times in your life where the only person you need to be focused on is you. So, take advantage of your time here. Ask as many questions as you like. Challenge me and challenge yourself. Feel the freedom to express yourself and give voice to your doubts and fears. You deserve to be heard and have your questions answered.

I will be sensitive to your needs and productive with your time. At the beginning of a session, we will briefly spend time catching up about anything you would like to share regarding your life. Then, we’ll dive into reviewing therapeutic homework, concepts previously discussed, and begin working on the treatment goals we have created together.

Lastly, I am happy to incorporate prayer, scripture, and any other spiritual practices you would like. We are all on our own faith journey and our spiritual needs can look different at every turn. Please feel free to communicate any spiritual needs with me so I can accommodate accordingly.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I grew up with family members who were diagnosed with a mental health disorder. As an adult, I now see the impact it had on me and how it influences my worldview. It was during my time at Baylor University that I decided I would pursue a master’s in counseling so I could understand human behavior from a clinical perspective and better utilize the gifts God has given me to help others.

I received my BA in Theology and Ethics at Baylor University in 2020. Currently, I am attending Liberty University to receive my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Much of my experience has been working with teenagers and their families. I worked as a youth camp counselor, a youth intern at multiple churches, and as a residential staffmember at a facility for at-risk teens. Most recently, I worked at a substance use facility helping treat adults of all ages for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Personal Interests

I am a FRIENDS fanatic! Count me in for all things friends: DVD’s, cups, stickers, Legos, puzzles, t-shirts. You name it and I probably have it. I love the connection and support they all offer one another. It is a beautiful representation of the commitment and love I want to exhibit in my own friendships. Best of all, it’s HILARIOUS! I love a good laugh and each character has some solid one liners.

Making time to invest in my friendships is incredibly important to me. They are dispersed across 3 states, so most of our communication occurs through FaceTime, calls, and texts. But thank the good Lord for technology! And thank the good Lord for good friends!

Fun fact: I moved to Colorado for a boy. I know, GROSS! But we were dating long distance (1,600 miles to be exact) for 2 years and I figured it was time to be in the same state. I hope to be engaged to his sweet soul soon.