ABOUT ME
Making the decision to seek help is one of the bravest things a person can do and I am proud to be able to offer that help. I believe that change is possible when there is support and compassion present, which is why I use a mixture of therapeutic techniques to elicit those changes.
Meet Your Counselor
I work with individuals, couples, and families to identify solutions and implement positive changes in the lives of my clients. Utilizing a strengths-based approach allows hope to be a building block for that change and shift attention away from perceived weaknesses. I also utilize several cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge thought distortions and promote healthy cognitive patterns.
My specialties include Mood and Anxiety disorders, specifically Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I have a unique interest in counseling individuals and couples experiencing Infertility, Perinatal Mood Disorders, and Sexual Concerns. I hold a certificate from the Sexual Health Certificate Program at the University of Michigan in the Sex Therapy track.
I’ve been working in the Cedar Rapids area since 2011 and in that time I’ve been privileged to meet many wonderful people and create fantastic professional relationships with other providers. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with my bachelor’s degree in Family Services as well as my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I’m a lifelong Panther fan and thoroughly enjoy supporting many of the programs and activities that UNI provides.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my kids and dog as well as enjoying some of the numerous books on my To-Be-Read list. I love traveling as well as music and I try to get out and be active with my family as often as I can. When weather doesn’t allow outdoor activities I also enjoy watching (and re-watching!) Game of Thrones or Gilmore Girls.
It’s been a long-term goal of mine to become a sex therapist and I have recently completed coursework at the University of Michigan as I continue to work towards this exciting goal. I’ve also been lucky enough to be able to be an adjunct instructor at Mount Mercy University in their Marriage and Family Therapy program.
