It can be painful and frustrating to feel trapped in a cycle of behaviors, thoughts, or relationships that don’t represent the person we want to be. I believe that one of the most challenging things in life is to simultaneously love and accept ourselves as we are while also acknowledging a need or desire for change. I believe that a perspective rooted in faith can help us to do this. I am humbled by my clients’ vulnerability and believe that my role as a counselor is to help clients sort through their experiences, notice patterns, set meaningful goals, and have accountability and self-compassion in pursuing those goals. Honoring individuals’ experiences and freedom is at the core of my practice. I provide accompaniment and tools which draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, always keeping an integrated whole-person (mind-body-soul unity) perspective at the center of therapy.

Experience

I spent time working with children experiencing ASD through the North Dakota Autism Center. After finishing my undergraduate degree I worked in college campus ministry at various universities for four years. During this time I provided guidance and mentorship to students who wanted to grow in their faith while also helping many young adults who were experiencing mental health struggles to connect with resources. During my graduate studies, I worked with Residential Transitions, Inc. to provide in-home assistance and skills training to adults experiencing various SPMI and disabilities. After completing my master’s degree I worked with adults of all ages in outpatient therapy at CARE Counseling. During this time I received training and supervision in treating individuals with a variety of mental health diagnoses including: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, various anxiety disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and personality disorders. Most recently I worked at Providence Academy as the Mental Health Counselor for Upper School Students, providing mental health education and care through a Catholic lens.

Education

I received a B.A. in psychology from Benedictine College, receiving several departmental awards during my time there. I went on to receive my M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. I am working under the supervision of a licensed and Board Approved LPCC Supervisor while I pursue independent licensure.