“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela
PHILOSOPHY AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
I work with a wide variety of clients including individuals, couples, children, teens, families and much of the in between. I also specialize in working with individuals that struggle with addictions, those who have been impacted by trauma and/or crisis, and first responders or members of the military. I have a client-centered therapeutic approach that values gaining insight around the unique experiences and considerations brought to session. Primary modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, solution focused therapy, and trauma-focused modalities. The process of treatment prioritizes building connection, validating experiences, building coping tools, and collaborating to create the best step by step path to a brighter future.
I also believe deeply in the organization of the family and the systems within it. Many times, family dysfunction can be due to unhealthy organizational and relationship patterns. Addressing the natural structure of the family can be a great starting place to help both kids and parents understand the unique family dynamics that exist and untangle patterns to create positive change. I work with both families and children to develop healthy patterns of communication and interaction. Oftentimes, it can be the behavioral challenges of children that become important flags for the adults who care for them. Unhealthy child-to-family relationships can be very draining for everyone involved, and therapy can support better outcomes for both the child and family members.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
– Dr Seuss
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THERAPY
Generally, the therapy process begins with building a framework of rapport and connection between therapist and client including validating experiences, challenges and obstacles that often present very real-life consequences. When I work with kids, the first session is all about building a healthy, stable framework for the child. At their safe pace, I want them to feel comfortable painting a picture of all of the details of their experience. Allowing the child to show me their best form of comfortable communication is very important to me–this could be through the language of play, talking, art, or even creative movement. My goal is to provide kids with all the age-appropriate tools to make a positive impact on themselves and their families. As a parent, you will also be provided these tools to build upon, strengthen, and renew a healthy family system.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
I started with a bachelor’s in early childhood education and began my career as a teacher in a very high-needs community. I thought this was going to lead to making a difference in impacting families and kids, but instead it left me recognizing the foundational need for family support. As a teacher, I felt like I had a lot of the tools but no space to use them. I felt that I could have a greater impact in a different field, so I started researching the field of counseling and knew I’d found the right path. At Walden University I started with the completion of the family/couples program and transitioned to trauma and crisis, which far more describes our needs as a community and as human beings. I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in early 2022, with a specialization in trauma & crisis as well as addiction counseling. I have enjoyed my role as a trauma focused clinician for families, couples, individuals, children and first responders.
PERSONAL LIFE AND INTERESTS
I live in Sedalia, Colorado with my husband and two young children of my own. We are a hiking, biking, skiing, climbing family. Get us outside and we are happy. We are a military and first responder family of 10+ years and are familiar with the curveballs and quick transitions that life can throw. Not to mention the deep exhaustion, burn out and compassion fatigue. If at any time you have found yourself considering counseling, I deeply believe the process to be beneficial for growth, renewal and support. I look forward to building connections and making a positive impact on the community.
“One thing that I have learned from watching chimpanzees with their infants is that having children should be fun.” – Jane Goodall