Short Biography
I’ve always been drawn to understanding things at a deeper level, especially the patterns that shape how we learn to cope, relate, and move through the world. That curiosity led me to counseling early in my life, and I experienced firsthand how working with the root of an issue can create meaningful and lasting change.
That experience shaped the way I wanted to show up for others. I began my counseling career in community mental health, then life shifted course for a while. I got married, raised two children, and navigated the complexities of supporting a neurodivergent, twice-exceptional child through the school system. That time helped me understand stress, resilience, and growth in ways that textbooks cannot teach.
I have am MA in Studio art from Indiana University, and an MA in Counseling from Governors State University.
Therapy Philosophy
I believe change happens when there is space to slow down, be heard, and gently explore what is happening beneath the surface. My role is to walk alongside you as you make sense of your experiences and develop new ways of responding that feel more supportive and aligned with who you are today.
Special Training & Certifications
Expressive arts, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, parts work, gestalt, hypnotherapy, yoga Nidra
Clinical Focus / Specialties
Generalized anxiety
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Complex trauma (C-PTSD)
Childhood abuse or neglect
Communication difficulties
Infidelity recovery
Parenting stress
Low self-esteem
Self-criticism
Perfectionism
People-pleasing
Identity exploration
Stress & Life Adjustment
Burnout
Major life transitions
Grief & Loss
Relationship loss
Autism-related challenges
Sexuality & Gender-Related Concerns
Sexual identity exploration
Gender identity exploration
Feeling stuck
Loss of meaning or direction
Personal growth
“Not feeling like myself”
Therapist Methodology
Attachment-Based Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Existential Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
EMDR
Somatic Experiencing
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Holistic Therapy
Spiritual / Transpersonal Therapy
Humanistic
Hypnosis
Core Values
Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist
Feminist-informed
Queer- and trans-affirming
Body liberation / fat-positive
Racial equity-focused
Culturally responsive
Environmental justice / eco-aware
Immigrant and refugee-affirming
Activist-affirming / advocacy-supportive
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming
Gender-expansive aware
BIPOC-affirming
Neurodiversity-affirming
Fat liberation-oriented
Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive
Secular-affirming
Interfaith respectful
Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming)
Centering marginalized voices
Multicultural sensitivity
Cultural identity exploration
Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences
Affirming intersectional identities
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed
Strengths-based
Client-centered
Collaborative
Compassion-focused
Empowerment-based
Nonjudgmental
Authentic and transparent
Boundaried compassion
Humor and humanity
Radical acceptance
Centering safety and trust
Relational and attachment-oriented
Emotions as information
Empowerment through connection
Dignity and respect
Transparency and repair
Acceptance and commitment
Co-created healing relationship
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Somatic / body-based awareness
Mindfulness-oriented
Holistic / integrative healing
Creative expression in therapy
Movement or art-informed
Grief as transformation
Spiritual but not religious
Connection between personal and systemic healing
Soul-centered / transpersonal lens
Embodied empowerment
Grounded presence
Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection
Accountability and integrity
Client autonomy
Cultural humility over competence
Informed consent emphasis
Ethical activism
Transparency in process
Professional collaboration
Centering client dignity
Ongoing education commitment
Non-hierarchical relationship
Anti-carceral and anti-pathologizing lens
Restorative justice-informed
Accessibility as ethical practice
Therapist as co-learner
