Background

---

Hello! 

If you've gotten this far, first, I appreciate your dedication. Second, you probably want to know a little more about me, and what makes me a good fit for you. I am a military spouse, or "mil-spouse," and proud mom to two fur babies--Jack and Henry. I love being outdoors, gardening, reading, and spending time with family. 

I spent over ten years as a public-school teacher, following my husband's military career throughout the southeast before becoming a licensed mental health therapist (LMHC). I believe my time as a teacher shaped my clinical approach. As a teacher, I witnessed firsthand the impact trauma and fear had on my students learning and behavior. I noticed that some of my students had difficulties retaining lessons as well as controlling their emotions. The years I spent teaching helped me understand that learning and healing go together. The ability to learn new information—whether educationally or emotionally—is vital to overcoming life’s challenges. It was then that I felt called to work with people as they healed the deep wounds that kept them in distress.  If you've ever felt like you just couldn't get a grip on your thoughts or behaviors, you couldn't keep from falling into the same patterns, and couldn't shake being tired and frustrated, then I am here to help you learn a new way to master those frustrating patterns and find relief. 

My educational journey included an undergrad in communication and psychology, and then in grad school I went on to study counseling psychology. My dissertation used a framework modeled after Cognitive Coaching, a method based on person-centered counseling. In my research, I found that building relationships while applying evidenced-based practices had profound impacts on my subjects' ability to learn and grow. Through discussion and empathy, people are able to take in new information. In addition, taking advantage of practices and methods that were evidenced-based practices improved my subjects outcomes.    

My original training as a teacher comes out in my approach as a therapist. I balance compassion with goal setting. As a partner in your journey, I offer effective methods to support your healing. I am trained in EMDR, PE, CPT, and ERP, which are evidenced-based therapy approaches for anxiety and trauma. Clients may also benefit from additional tools, which may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, including community mental health, private, and group practices. I have worked with clients experiencing childhood trauma, physical and sexual abuse, Post-Partnum Depression and OCD, PTSD, post-infidelity stress disorder, dating/relationship issues, and anxiety-based symptoms.

If you are ready to achieve relief and positive change, and feel we may be a good fit, please reach out by clicking the "Get in Touch" button below. 

 Professional Affiliations: 

• ACA--American Counseling Association
• EMDRIA--Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association
• IOCDF--International OCD Foundation
• MHAOW--Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton County