About Me
I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Truman State University in Missouri, completed graduate coursework in education from the University of New England in Maine, and earned my masters of arts degree in art therapy with an emphasis in counseling from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana.
Our lives truly can parallel a roller coaster ride; with ups and downs and everything in between. I invite you to enter a place of safety, compassion and empowerment by engaging in therapy. Oftentimes, we question our value and worth. I believe we all have strengths within us to live meaningfully. We will identify these strengths in therapy, and use them to uncover your true, God-given worth and value. My practice is built upon a faith-based foundation, however I welcome all backgrounds and perspectives. It is my passion to facilitate both hope and healing in therapy, which I believe fosters freedom.
Within my faith-based foundation, I utilize evidence-based practice and utilize the following modalities to support your customized treatment plan: art therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, positive psychology and somatic therapy.
I was born and raised in New England. I have always found joy and peace at the ocean. Living in Iowa, I now embrace the “ocean” of fields and farms. My favorite things include growing in my faith journey, spending time with my family, being called “Grandma”, hosting gatherings of all sorts, coffee, art-making, reading, and bird watching.
Counseling Services
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At this time, I offer tele-therapy services.
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At this time, I offer tele-therapy groups. Groups will be posted once they are scheduled.
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As an art therapist, I invite you to explore your creative side by engaging in individual or group art making. Please contact me to find out more details!
Counseling Framework
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When there are no words to express what we have been through, the creative process of making art helps to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is a non-verbal outlet for trauma, stress and emotions.
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Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all interconnected. When we change one, the others change as well.
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This framework uses mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness to help you manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
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A form of therapy that empowers people to heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences and faulty self- beliefs.
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This scientific study focuses on human flourishing, rather than dysfunction. It looks at the factors and processes that support optimal functioning while fostering positive emotions, character strengths, meaningful relationships, and life satisfaction.
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This includes the idea that what happens to you in your life is stored not only in your mind but also in your body. Somatic therapy techniques include breathwork, grounding and body awareness.
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I am trained in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). It is an effective, evidence-supported treatment for children, teens, and young adults with anxiety and OCD. SPACE is a parent-based treatment program developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center and has been tested and found to be efficacious in randomized controlled clinical trials. Different from child-focused therapy, only parents or caregivers participate in SPACE sessions. More information about SPACE can be found here:
My Therapy Process
Step 1- Relationship Building
Developing and building the therapeutic alliance is at the heart of therapy and begins during our very first session. We will discuss confidentiality and the limits and create a safe and supportive environment for open communication. I will explain my role as your therapist, my training and experience, and share the purpose and goals of therapy.
During your initial intake, I will gather information about you to better understand your needs, symptoms and areas of concern. The assessment helps guide your therapeutic treatment plan. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that is unique to your presenting problems and needs. This treatment plan will contain specific goals and objectives that you will work on in and outside of therapy that addresses all the areas of your wellness.
Step 2- Assessment and Treatment Planning
Step 3- Action
The heart of counseling aims to facilitate change, growth, and healing. You will utilize action steps to utilize therapy work in your daily life and to improve your overall wellness.
Step 4- Maintenance or Closure
For some clients, a review of progress and maintenance plan is beneficial, while others may meet periodically for maintenance therapy sessions to check-in.
