Many years ago as I pondered what I wanted to study in college someone told me to read through the class descriptions and whatever peaks my interest is what I needed to major in. I kept coming back to the psychology classes. When I shared with a close friend and mentor that I wanted to go into counseling she wasn't surprised. She felt like it would be a natural fit for me and an area that I was gifted in. I felt like it was a calling and the more I pursued a career as a counselor the more I knew that it was exactly where I wanted to be. I've been working as a counselor for 10+ years and I can honestly still say that I LOVE what I do. It can be hard work for sure, but I consider it a privilege and and honor to be invited into peoples hearts, minds, and heaviness. It is a calling that I do not take lightly.

 

My approach to counseling is a combination of a Client Centered approach along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Which means that I help give you tools and resources, while providing a safe and nurturing environment, while you do the healing. I provide empowerment and encouragement but you are the one in control of the process. In children, I still use a lot of Cognitive Behavior Therapy but use it with play therapy to adapt it to children. I also specialize in a couple of areas. I've received 60+ hours of formal training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desenitization and Reprocessing) which is an evidenced based form of treatment for trauma. EMDR is a powerful form of therapy and can be very effective in dealing with trauma and even other mental health issues. I am also a certified Within Agency Trainer in PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) which is also an evidence based treatment that works with young children with behavior problems. I've seen PCIT do wonders for children and families and I believe strongly that it works. I also have experience in working with ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, grief, and many others. I've worked with all ages from 3 years old all the way into adulthood. 

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My faith is something that is very important to me and very much a part of my life. I offer Christian Counseling and welcome incorporating elements of faith-based and biblical based counseling in my practice if you as the client desire that. However, it is purely your choice as the client. If that is not something you desire, it will not impact my ability to give you quality, individualized, and professional care.  

 

On a personal level, I'm from TN and lived there most of my life, but in the summer of 2019 I moved from the mountains of east TN to the mountains of Colorado. I love adventure and enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends. I have a precious son that takes up most of my time outside of work. I remarried in 2021 and gained 2 more precious step children and a wonderful man. Lastly, I'm certainly not a stranger to hardship. My husband passed away suddenly only 3 days before my son was born. It has been quite the journey of grief and motherhood and God has taught me a lot along the way. I feel that pain is not wasted and that God has given me a purpose to share my story to hopefully inspire others.

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