My counseling orientation is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  CBT explores the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping techniques. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients--every client is unique and what works for one person may not work for the next. As a therapist, I find it is important to be flexible and address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as appropriate. While counseling is often very serious, laughter and humor can be important in good mental health and will likely be a part of our therapeutic relationship. It is important for me to create an atmosphere where my clients feel safe and welcome.

   While I have worked with individuals from 3-73, one of my greatest clinical strengths is working with teenagers and young adults. I have been the primary counselor for youth at multiple agencies due to my long term drive to help adolescents. My work has also increasingly been with young adults who feel stress about "adulting." Social media can make us feel like everyone else has more friends, more fun, and more money than we do; this is merely a game of perception. Much of my experience has been with people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-harm, and life stressors. I am continuously learning and have focused on expanding my expertise in working with trans-folks due to a lack of resources in Lake County.

   I am honored to work with anyone willing to share themselves with me and look forward to help you with healing and growth. It is always inspiring when someone takes the brave step of reaching out for help.  When I am not working I enjoy board game nights with friends or hanging out with my husband and two rescue dogs.