I live in West Lafayette with my husband and two children. My childhood experiences and working in the mental health field have brought me to this point. As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents who welcomed family, friends, and neighbors into their home. I noticed that people would often seek their advice on a variety of issues, and now as an adult, I can see why. They had a very calming presence that put others at ease, and they took the time to truly listen and understand where the other person was coming from. They made a point to focus on what was possible instead of what was wrong. I have continued to carry what I learned from them into my career as therapist.
Currently, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience. I initially worked as a case manager for adults who were facing challenges with serious mental health issues. I visited people in their homes and helped with the development of coping, social, & organizational skills. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to learn how to assist people at a deeper level and returned to school. Since then, I have served as a therapist in the oncology & palliative care departments at a hospital, working with individuals & their families to cope with medical trauma and grief & loss. Most recently, I joined my husband, who is also a therapist, in private practice. I'm so glad that I did....I truly love the work that I do! I have a passion for helping others find the strength within to overcome challenging situations and create more fulfilling lives.
My Approach: I can imagine that up to this point, you have tried everything you can think of, (i.e. reading self-help books, watching videos, and talking to friends & family), but you still feel overwhelmed and stuck. While I believe that gaining insight is important, self-awareness alone will not make you feel better. We have to identify what is most important to you and take committed action toward it, which involves a change in behavior as well. That is why my approach is solution-focused. I specialize in assisting adults who experience anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. I have training in evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), and attachment theory, (how we relate to and connect with others). During sessions, I pull from these modalities to tailor treatment to your individual needs and goals.
Please know that I welcome any questions you may and offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can call me directly or complete the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Education:
- Master of Social Work, Indiana University School of Social Work
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Warren Wilson College
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Missouri at Columbia
License:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Professional Affiliations:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)