While “mental health therapist” has been my professional title for over fifteen years, I've always preferred “encourager, educator, advocate, supporter.” Goodness and success can be found in each day, even the darkest ones, as long as we're able to look from the right perspective. I believe that there's power in personal accountability, that a past mistake doesn't have to define us, that there's always room to improve, and that the greatest satisfaction comes from observable results for which we've worked. While I don't believe that happiness is based on choice, I do believe that taking an active role in changing our thoughts and behaviors can bring a sense of satisfaction, confidence, and accomplishment.

Throughout my experience in a variety of settings with a variety of people, my favorite clients are those with an open mind, a desire for life to be better, and the willingness to put in the work for a positive change that is gradual but worth the challenge. I am most motivated by working with adults who have histories of trauma, criminogenic behaviors, and personality disorder diagnoses. 

My theoretical orientation is deeply rooted in trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with concepts borrowed from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Humanistic Therapy. I obtained my BS (Rehabilitation Services, Psychology) and MS (Rehabilitation Counseling) degrees from Southern Illinois University and maintain licensure in Illinois (LCPC), Colorado (LPC), and Virginia (LPC). 

Activities that contribute to my work/life balance include spending time with my family, adopting special-needs animals, reading classic literature and historical non-fiction, traveling, and cheering on the Fighting Illini and St Louis Cardinals. 

If you've reached a point that you've thought you "can't do this anymore," reach out; let's formulate and implement a plan to make positive changes in your life. Congratulations on taking the first step.