Hey There!
Deciding to participate in therapy is a big decision. Finding the right therapist for yourself, your child, or your family can seem overwhelming. Whether you are new to therapy or familiar with the process, it is important to find a therapist that makes you feel heard, seen and understood.
My overall approach to therapy is one that is collaborative, integrative, and rooted in the principles of family systems. Thank you for inquiring as to whether or not therapy is for you and if I am the right therapist for your needs.
About Me
I graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I also earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from St. Leo University. After earning multiple degrees and certifications in computer science and a highly successful twenty-five-year career as an engineer, solutions architect and senior director in business intelligence, I rediscovered my dream of being a professional therapist. I then went on to attend Regent University where I received my master of arts degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy.
My passion is for strengthening adolescents, adults, couples, marriages, and families. I bring a sense of mature wisdom, powerful presence and hopefulness to each of my clients, and I seek to create an environment where my clients feel safe, comfortable and heard.
Though I personally identify as Christian, I am perfectly at home working with clients from varied faith communities or with no spiritual preference at all. My clients have the choice of including or excluding their own spirituality in the treatment process.
I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). In the state of Illinois, I'm an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT), and in both Illinois and Kansas I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
I specialize in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth, irrational and ruminating thoughts, grief, trauma, life transitions, relational distress, communication and intimacy concerns, emotional healing, infidelity, and the challenges and opportunities of blended families.
My preferred theoretical approaches for working with adolescents and adults is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I emphasize emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples and marriages, and structural family therapy (SFT) for families.
I am member of both the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Book a Consultation
Unsure if therapy is right for you? Still have questions about me or the therapy process? Book a FREE 15 min consultation to get your questions answered and I will personally guide you through the process.