About Me
I take a relational, somatic and experiential approach to my practice. This means that through the therapeutic relationship, we will slow down and give the body, mind and heart corrective emotional and relational experiences that mobilize changes and healing in the brain. Specifically, we will attune to your body, emotions, thoughts and our connection in session to discover what in the past may be fueling present struggles. EMDR is one of the main catalysts I use for this healing process.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, integrative, somatic, client-centered approach to counseling. Trauma is experienced physically, emotionally, and generationally so these things are essential to the process of healing. Through eye movements, we are able to access and activate the part of your brain that holds unprocessed experiences and emotions, move through them, while also rewiring your brain to have a new neurological response to the trauma. I love witnessing the how this process fosters healing, confidence, joy, peace and new hope in my clients.
I hold a Master’s of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University with an emphasis in marriage, couples and family counseling. I received EMDR Training through the Maiberger Institute. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College and spent several months working from a nonprofit in Zambia, Africa for vulnerable children. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked with adolescents in a variety of capacities across Kansas and Missouri for over 6 years. I would be honored to connect and pursue healing and growth with you. There is hope.
A couple more details about
our time together...
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Sometimes I lead and sometimes I will follow your lead. I am walking arm in arm you.
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You don't have to be strong enough or hold it altogether. You are welcome to be in process and be a mess.
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No emotion is off limits or too much for me. I want to join you in it and guide you through it.
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You are allowed to receive and soak in care in our times together. In fact, I highly recommend it. Taking in care is actually healing!
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It is okay to express your fears or dislikes about our time, even if they have to do with me. I value your honesty and opportunities to repair when I miss something. I want to help you get what you need.
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As we connect, I will notice glimmers of healing and transformance. Counseling is not just talking about pain; it is just as powerful to make space for healing that is already happening.
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As you share, I will stop us to notice what emotions are coming up inside your body. I will also check in with you to make sure I am getting you and to help you feel more comfortable.
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Your "no" matters to me. If I ask or notice something and you want to put it aside, you can say "not ready, can we set that aside?" and I will honor it each time.
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You can ask me what I am thinking because I genuinely care about you and am engaged with you in this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get connected?
Get in touch by filling out the contact form. I will email you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. If we decide we would be a good fit, you can schedule your first session. I will then provide you with the electronic paperwork to fill out prior to your first session.
What will the first session be like?
In the first session, I like to begin by checking in on your experience and honoring your courage to pursue healing! I spend 5-10 minutes reviewing house keeping details and then leave the bulk of our time to get to know each other and the counseling space more. You have no obligation to return or continue, if you don't feel like we are a good fit. For the beginning, I recommend meeting weekly and then reassessing how the pace feels as we go. Since our hearts feel permission to heal in safe and consistent spaces, I value connecting regularly, in order to provide the best of what I offer.
Do you take insurance?
In order to maximize my time to focus on my clients, I am private pay. Upon request, I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
