I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 16 years of experience helping people navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, trauma, and life's many transitions. Throughout my career, I've worked in correctional healthcare, outpatient treatment, community mental health, and private practice, giving me the opportunity to support people from all walks of life.
My approach is empathetic, honest, and sometimes direct. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe enough to be yourself, but also challenged enough to grow. I'm not the kind of therapist who simply listens and nods. I will challenge patterns that are not serving you, help you see things from a different perspective, and support you in doing the work it takes to grow. If you're willing to approach therapy with an open mind, embrace honest feedback, and challenge the patterns that may be holding you back, we'll work together to create meaningful, lasting change.
I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring each session to your unique goals and experiences. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, communication, relationship concerns, addiction, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we'll work together to create a plan that fits your life.
Before entering private practice, I spent many years providing behavioral health services in Indiana's correctional system, where I conducted assessments, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and therapy for individuals with complex mental health and substance use concerns. I've also presented at state and national conferences on co-occurring disorders and the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, experiences that continue to shape the perspective I bring into the therapy room today.
I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Social Work from Indiana University, completed a certificate in Forensic Psychology through Grand Canyon University, and am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Criminal Justice at Liberty University. In addition to my LCSW, I hold certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Consultant (CADAC) and Certified Correctional Healthcare Professional (CCHP).
Outside of work, you'll usually find me reading psychological thrillers, planning my next trip, spending time with my family, or finding new ways to advocate for mental health in my community.
My goal isn't to "fix" you; it's to help you better understand yourself, break free from the patterns holding you back, and build a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.