My passion for being a therapist comes from overcoming my own challenges. I want people to know that they are capable of healing from trauma because I have also survived trauma.

I grew up in a home with a mother who struggled with undiagnosed mental health issues and a father who struggled with substance abuse. When I was in elementary and high school, I was violent and participated in risky behaviors. During high school, I began to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the difficult feelings and experiences I was going through.

At 35 I started college, unsure of what career path to follow. I took a class about trauma and learned how the experiences we endure can have an impact on us, even when we aren’t aware of the impact. I realized that my past didn’t have to define me in the present, or who I would become in the future. I decided to pursue a degree in the field of social work.

Shortly after, I was appropriately diagnosed and treated for PTSD, and my symptoms decreased significantly with medication.

However, I realized that working through the painful things I had endured was necessary to continue my healing journey. I felt like I could not pour into my relationships because I was afraid of being hurt. My husband and I were headed for divorce, and I knew I needed help. So, I sought out therapy.

During the process, there were times when I wanted to give up, that I felt I couldn’t overcome these problems. I thought I was broken. As therapy continued, I began to feel more secure in my marriage, as a mom, as a friend. Since then, my relationships have flourished. I still have challenges, but I can say I love myself today.

I can help you heal. Informed by my personal experiences, I utilize the evidence-based practices of CBT, DBT, and ACT, flexibly meeting my client’s needs. Individuals have found relief from the pain of their trauma experiences through our work together. My approach is direct, hands-on, and in-the-moment. I will not tell you how to solve your problems, but together we will explore solutions, collaborating to help you heal.

I am a current Master of Social Work student expecting to graduate in December of 2020. I have worked with adults with intellectual disabilities for over 10 years, as well as with individuals that struggle with substance abuse.