I recognize we all need a little help now and then to work through difficult times in our lives and I want to help make a difference in this world. I think we underestimate how important it can be to just have a safe place to talk. I have always had a passion for mental health and this led me to pursue a career as a counselor. 

I believe that when we speak to the deepest in a person (our desires, fear, worries) then we are able to meet the raw human self and as a result people feel heard and validated.  

Emotions are not abstract thoughts or experiences. They are tangible biological processes in the body that manifest themselves through somatic symptoms. For example when we experience difficult emotions we may feel tension in our abdomen, chest, shoulders, neck, or an increase in energy, an uneasy feeling in the pit of our stomach, feeling unable to move, feeling numb, racing thoughts, or feeling changes in body temperature like getting hotter, face being coming red, feeling the need to escape, or an increased heart rate ect.. We refer to these experiences as somatic responses to our emotions. The good news is that knowing this allows us to learn skills to help with regulating our body’s experiences which makes managing tough situations and emotions easier. 

Disorganized and unregulated emotions are often what leads to feeling overwhelmed. We usually act on these feelings of being overwhelmed in a variety of ways. Some examples include becoming angry, yelling, feeling vindictive, substance use, scrolling, avoidance, dissociating, feeling numb or depressed, unmotivated etc.. So if we can learn how to manage our emotions then we may be able to change some of our unhealth habits and behaviors.

Many different things inspire me in life but my career has definitely been something that has been very inspirational to me. I have seen people come to counseling, utilize the tools they learn, process their thoughts, and come out on the other end feeling more assured about themselves. I am also inspired when I see people standing up for what is right. The beauty of nature is also inspiring and reminds me that there is still softness and good in the world.

I focus on getting to know the person in our first session. I want to find out what is bringing you to counseling as well as identifying your personal strengths. I also try to provide education on the diagnosis and help set expectations for therapy.

I see my profession as another scope of practice to the bigger picture. We are all trying to work together to make this world safe, healthy, and fun. I feel humbled to meet people in one of their most vulnerable areas of their lives. It is hard dealing with mental health concerns and often others don't understand or know how to help. I have been trained to help in these areas. I am forever grateful for being invited to a DBT/CBT training program in my early career as a baby therapist. It really helped me build a solid foundation of understanding mental health as a medical condition and the social environment as an influencer. Through my practice I have become aware of the small and significant role that I can play in someone's life. I have witnessed first hand, people's ability to heal from traumatic events. I have seen individuals gain a better understanding of their mental health/medical health conditions. I have also watched my clients apply new interventions and find healthier regulation in their lives. I will forever be grateful for my clients trust and faith in me as well.

I have a few hobbies and cherished activities that I enjoy. I am a gourmet cook and I garden. I love kayaking and going for hikes. I love camping in the summer and fall months. I consider myself a great amateur artist and I enjoy mixed media art including painting, crafting, macramé, photography and everything in between.

I also have a love for philosophy PHILOSOPHY German - Stoicism and Existentialism, Greek - Esoterism and Socratics, French - Freedom, Love, Life, Liberty, Romanticism, American - Transcendentalism and Ethics