About

I believe there are no quick fixes and that change is a continuous process. Goals are set, progress is made, and next thing you know, there is an unexpected set back. Life experience has taught me that, it is great to want to change, it is great to want to move forward, however, it is also very important to live in the here and now. I will work with you to manage expectations, manage emotions, look for something positive to hold onto to, and at the same time, examine what we can do to strive for a different future. We will partner together to delve into the past, find patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have worked for good and find what has not worked. It is at that point we will know what we need to re-enforce and what we need to change. I will almost always have an opinion, but, your opinion will always matter most. The most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. We must agree to express opinions, thoughts, feelings, and never hold back. We must agree to be open and honest at all times. It is impossible to move forward when stuck in a dishonest past. I will challenge you, I will push you, and at the same time, I will strive to understand you, I will listen, and I will never ever judge you. Life is a wonderful journey, yet, not an easy one. I'm ready to help you make it as wonderful as possible.

I have extensive inpatient and outpatient psychiatric experience. My work experience is an inpatient eating disorder unit and an inpatient psychiatric hospital; my outpatient experience is with an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). I have worked with adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, that included individual, group, and family/couples counseling. Also, I have been conducting psychiatric assessments for individuals in crisis for over three years. Areas of specific interest are eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression; although, I have treated many other disorders and find them interesting.

My theoretical perspective is an integrated approach. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy are two very different approaches that I like to integrate together. CBT focuses on thoughts and beliefs and Interpersonal focuses on identifying and expressing emotions.

Education and Licensure: BA - Management and Human Relations; Mid-America Nazarene University; MS - Counseling Psychology, Avila University. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Kansas.