My Approach to Helping
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and grounded in Interpersonal Process Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy that emphasizes the impact of past experiences on your development and current life, how messages from these experiences become internalized, and healing the relationship that you have with yourself and others. I am also knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of therapy approaches in order to meet your unique needs. I enjoy sharing the science of psychology to help you gain insight into your experiences and understand treatment.
My style is conversational, and I strive to be both gentle and direct with my feedback. Being trauma-informed I ask you to be in charge of the focus of sessions and will apply my relevant knowledge and skills. I try to provide you with options about the directionsapproaches to exploring the topic you bring to session. There is no topic off limits; I want you to feel safe to talk about whatever. I strive to provide practical information and skills that you can apply in your daily life. I want you to be empowered in your healing journey and in your life. My goal is to guide you towards an authentic and meaningful life.
More Info About My Practice
I provide individual therapy for adults (ages 18+) via telehealth only. Currently, I only offer relationship or family therapy on a case-by-case basis. I am not credentialed to prescribe medication, but do have the training and experience to help you navigate medication management.
The first session will be a bit different than your follow-up sessions will be. I will direct the focus more and the session will be more structured. I will ask specific questions about your background, current life, reasons for seeking therapy, and mental health and life goals. I will also ask questions to assess your mental health and symptoms to identify a provisional diagnosis (required by insurance companies) and treatment approach.
By the end of the first session, we should both have a sense of whether or not we can work together well. Research has repeatedly shown that the most important factor in the success of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. What makes a therapeutic relationship successful is complicated and developing this relationship is an ongoing process. However, we should both have a sense of how comfortable it was talking and if we have been able to understand each other. Additionally, it is my professional and ethical responsibility to determine if I have the appropriate training, experience, and skills to help you with the reasons you have come to therapy. If you andor I determine that we are not a good fit, I will provide you with resources to help you find another therapist.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I finished my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2018, and have been independently licensed since 2019. I have experience providing a range of psychological services in a variety of settings, including: telehealth, college counseling centers, a community mental health center, a crisis center, a US army base, a rural high school, a partial hospitalization program, and a state hospital. I have experience helping with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, worthiness, trauma, PTSD, healthy relationships, stress, academic and career success, ADHD, suicide, self-injury, substance use, sexuality, identity development, spirituality, and social-cultural concerns. With a Ph.D., I have advanced training in diagnostic assessment and supporting medication management.
My Therapy Focus
My strength is helping people with the abstract, non-tangible aspects of life. I am good at helping you sort through your experience to identify patterns and underlying needs. From this deeper understanding, I can help you explore ways to shift patterns and better meet your needs.
The feedback I typically get from clients is that they have gained a deeper understanding and acceptance of who they are and what they want from their life. I have observed many of my clients to feel more empowered and freer in their lives.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.