I am looking forward to getting to know you and sharing this journey of personal growth with you.
It takes courage to begin a therapeutic journey. Often, we sit in discomfort for years prior to attending therapy. My main intention as a therapist is to provide emotional safety and trust for the clients I work with. Without those two things the work done in session isn’t as effective.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a mental health therapist for 8 years. I received a Bachelors in Family Studies from Weber State University. I went on to receive a Masters in Social Work from Utah State University.
My passion for therapy began when I worked in a treatment center for high-risk youth. They taught me the capacity for change and the hope for a brighter future. My approach to therapy is strengths based. I believe my clients have the answers they need inside of them. Sometimes they need a little guidance finding those answers and learning skills to help them lead a more satisfying life. I describe my role as the river guide. I know the river well. I will support and guide you on the path you choose. This is your journey. I am here to help develop tools and strategies for living a more fulfilling life.
The approaches I utilize most are CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and a variety of approaches for trauma.
My background is in substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. I have been working in residential substance abuse treatment for the past 4 years. I enjoy working with those struggling with addiction as well as their loved ones. I have helped loved ones gain a better understanding of the role addiction plays as well as feel supported. Addiction can be lonely and frustrating on both sides. In my work I have found trauma is a large reason we engage in unhealthy behaviors that don’t serve us well. That led me to specializing in trauma. The brain and the body have a large disconnect when we experience unresolved trauma. I provide education to help clients better understand what is going on in their bodies. I have found yoga is a great place to start for those who are not yet ready to dive right into one of the trauma treatments. I am currently working on a yoga certification for clinicians. I weave this into my sessions to help clients learn strategies to self-soothe. It is an honor to work with clients and help them explore and strengthen skills for leading the life they desire. It is important to me that clients are getting their therapeutic needs met. I have spent my career finding where I am struggling to meet a need. I follow that up with specific trainings and literature to fill that gap. It is important to me that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively work with my clients.
I work hard during session as well as behind the scenes. I prioritize my own self-care in order to be on my A game in session. I do not ever recommend skills or therapeutic assignments I am not willing to try myself, or that I am not already applying in my own life. In my spare time I enjoy paddle boarding, photography, hiking, reading, and driving around in the mountains. I love sitting in the rain while listening to music. I find nature to be very healing. I go to yoga regularly to explore and heal my own discomfort. Yoga is a powerful tool for connecting mind and body. It is a great way to work through trauma. I utilize it to prevent burnout and treat secondary trauma in my own life.
Honor The Journey 