About Me

I was born and raised in southern West Virginia. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the United States Army, where I served for four years. My time in the military offered a firsthand view of how deeply trauma can affect individuals and communities, and it sparked a lasting interest in mental health. I pursued this interest by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduation, I worked at the National Center for PTSD, where I served as the primary research assistant on a randomized controlled trial comparing Written Exposure Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for Veterans with PTSD. This experience further deepened my commitment to trauma-focused and evidence-based care.

In 2021, I began my doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University, where I am currently a fifth-year Ph.D. student. My training has spanned a wide range of clinical settings, and I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing complex mental health challenges. While I primarily work with adults, I also have experience supporting adolescents and families. I welcome individuals of all identities and backgrounds and strive to make therapy an inclusive and affirming space.

Therapeutic Approach:

As a therapist, I believe that meaningful and lasting change happens when it is aligned with each person’s values, goals, and definition of growth. My role is to support individuals in identifying what matters most to them and in working toward meaningful, self-defined change. I see therapy as a collaborative process in which clients bring their lived experience and goals, and I bring curiosity, clinical knowledge, and a deep respect for each person’s experiences and strengths. I draw from evidence-based approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapies to support clients in making changes that align with their values and priorities. My approach emphasizes insight, self-compassion, and practical tools to promote the lasting change my clients seek to enact.

Areas of Specialty

Trauma and PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, or other life-threatening experiences. PTSD may present with a range of symptoms, including but not limited to intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts or mood, heightened startle response, irritability, and emotional numbness. My background in trauma-focused research and clinical training informs my approach to working with individuals who have experienced acute and/or chronic trauma. I have extensive experience treating trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, and draw from cognitive-behavioral models such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). I am especially attuned to how trauma intersects with identity, meaning, and self-concept and aim to help clients regain a sense of safety, agency, and wholeness.

Addiction and Substance Use

Addiction and substance use disorders involve the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences to one’s health, relationships, or responsibilities. In working with clients navigating addiction or substance use, I take a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and collaborative approach. I use evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention strategies to help clients build insight, identify triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. My goal is to support individuals in making meaningful, sustainable changes that align with their values and long-term well-being—whether they are working toward harm reduction, sobriety, or other recovery goals.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health concerns and often co-occur. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension or rapid heartbeat. Depression may present as persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. When working with individuals experiencing anxiety and/or depression, I use evidence-based approaches rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This includes strategies such as behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and values-based goal setting. My approach helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with a sense of purpose and agency.

 

Other Areas of Clinical Focus

In addition to my specialty areas listed above, I also provide services in the following areas:

  • Anger management
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Moral injury
  • Men’s issues
  • Identity, Transitions, and Meaning
  • Family conflict

Certifications and Training

  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Written Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia