Approach to Therapy
With a strong background in women’s issues, relational concerns, trauma and recovery, and sexual diversity issues, I utilize an integrative interpersonal orientation within a general practice framework. This means that I tend to focus on how our life experiences have shaped who we are, the relationships we are in, and the patterns that have developed as a result. I emphasize a collaboration between myself and my clients striving for increased support, understanding and awareness of those patterns contributing to current difficulties, learning new skills, recognizing personal strenghts and resources, and experiencing new ways of being with ourselves and others.
I am increasingly incorporating elements of technology-based interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV), Audio Visual Entrainment (AVE) and mind-body approaches such as Mindfulness Training and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
It is also important to work with the interaction of mental and medical health conditions--the Mind Body Connection--so I emphasize collaboration with physicians, psychiatrists, and alternative health care practitioners (such as acupuncturists, aromatherapists, nutritionists, massage therapists, chiropractors). I also believe in education about mental health conditions and the ways that we can support the body and mind in healing. There are many paths to well-being and you must find the one that is right for you and your body.
I provide individual therapy for adults with the following concerns:
Women's Issues
Relationships
Anxiety & Stress Management
Depression & Biopolar Disorder
Communication, Assertiveness, & Boundaries
Grief & Loss
Traumatic Events
Recovery from Childhood Abuse, Relational Abuse, Sexual Assault
Mid-Life Transition
Sexual Orientation Issues (including couples)
Personal Growth & Development
Eating & Body Image Issues
Professional Training
Masters Degree, 1996-Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia
Doctoral degree, 2003-Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia
Certified Therapist in EMDR-www.emdria.org.
Professional Experience
I have worked as a therapist since 1996 in a variety of settings, including a family violence shelter, a residential substance abuse treatment center, a high school, a university counseling center, as a consultant to the division of family services, and in private practice. I joined Spring Grove as an independent practitioner in 2003.
During graduate training, I coordinated several resource and outreach programs addressing issues such as sexual violence, sexual health, gender identity and sexual orientation, and multiculturalism. This taught me the importance of education and cultural influences on our beliefs, values, and behaviors. I was privileged to serve as a board member of the PRISM-Gay Straight Youth Alliance and a volunteer for the Center Project, where I learned how effective advocacy and access to resources can transform our lives.
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