You're tired of feeling the way you do. It's time to finally feel better.
You're exhausted due to feeling overwhelmed, stressed and like you're running on fumes. You feel like there's something wrong with you because you're not enjoying life like those around you and are struggling just to get through your day to day activities. You're tired of feeling this way and are ready to do something about it.
I can help.
I am a down-to-earth therapist who strives to provide a relaxed, safe space for my clients to freely express themselves (yes, it's acceptable and often helpful to swear in session!) in order to better understand and manage their stressors or issues. I use a conversational style of therapy, that for many feels less intense or intimidating than what we often expect therapy will look like. Sessions with me do not look like the "traditional" idea of therapy that many are expecting based on how we're used to seeing it portrayed on TV and in movies. It's more like a supportive and educational conversation with a trusted friend! I will work with you in a straight forward way using clear, understandable language that will leave you feeling heard, understood, and supported. I'll work with you to identify the struggles you are facing, figure out what we can do about them, and start making changes that will help you achieve the growth and healing you're looking for.
My ultimate goal is to help you make the improvements you are seeking by focusing on what is important to YOU, right now. I'll encourage you to take the lead on deciding what we focus on while in session, but will jump in and offer some suggestions if you get stuck or don't know where to start. I believe therapy works best when coming from a teamwork perspective, and I would love to be a part of your team!
You're the expert on you and your story. I'm here to help you make sense of that story.
I have experienced my own struggles with both anxiety and depression in the past. I have also experienced the benefits that a supportive relationship with a trusted therapist can provide.
I can also relate to not always making myself a top priority in my life, putting all my effort into focusing on those around me, and not viewing myself with the love and worth that I deserved.
These are common experiences for many people, although not everyone is willing to reach out for help with them. Maybe you think "it's not that bad", "other people have it WAY worse than I do, I shouldn't complain", or "I should be able to figure it out on my own". And while maybe you can, it never hurts to have a little extra help with carrying the load sometimes.
I would love it if you chose me to help you carry yours.
What makes me qualified to help?
I completed my undergraduate education at Saginaw Valley State University (right here in Saginaw!) in 2013 and earned my Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University in 2014. I have been fully licensed by the state of Michigan since 2016, completed my Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification in 2017, and completed my certification to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional in 2021.
I have over 18 years of experience providing mental health care in various roles and settings, including:
Providing treatment as part of a clinical team with court-adjudicated youth in a residential setting
Assisting survivors and their children in an emergency domestic violence shelter and aiding survivors in crisis via the crisis hotline
Treating severe mental and behavioral health in adolescents in a high-security residential treatment facility
Providing individual and family therapy to children and teens in an outpatient setting at a Federally Qualified Health Center
I enjoy regularly participating in continuing education and training to maintain my certifications, widen the scope of my skills, and broaden my knowledge as a therapist.