About Me
I grew up in the Midwest and obtained my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa with a major in Psychology and minors in Spanish, Theatre, and Human Relations. During my undergraduate time, I volunteered both working with children in the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and also on a clinical research study searching for the most effective treatment for Post-Partum Depression. The more I explored the field, the deeper my understanding grew of how individuals are impacted by the larger system. I ultimately decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northern Illinois University’s Applied Family & Child Studies program. As I considered working with individuals, the more I felt concerned that helping someone create change wouldn’t be sustainable if they returned to a family system that hadn’t also adapted to support the change.
I’ve worked in an outpatient treatment center, partial hospitalization program, and community mental health center. While working as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) I help my clients better understand a myriad of factors in their lives. We work together to create an environment of collaboration and acceptance that promotes deeper insight and ultimately leads to change. I strongly believe in the importance of using the therapeutic experience to expand vulnerable emotions and create stronger attachments with healthy supports.
Areas of Specialty
I work primarily with couples, teenagers, families, and individuals. I tailor my approach based on what is best suited for my clients’ presenting concerns and needs, but my preferred therapeutic orientations include: Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Bowen Family Systems Theory, Attachment Therapy, and PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy). Additional techniques I employ often include: DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems Theory), Gottman Method Couple Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Ultimately this means I focus on how thoughts and feelings are impacting behaviors, how these thoughts developed over time, and how relationships and primary emotions can help change these in positive ways.
Certificates and Supplemental Training
Additionally, I have training working with LGBTQ+ individuals/couples, infidelity, and trauma. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Method Couple Therapy (Level II Certified), and Theraplay.
