Therapeutic Approach
It can be incredibly nerve-wracking to reach out for help, to open up about difficult topics, and trust that you will be supported. As a therapist, my hope is to support my clients on their journey toward healing and growth. As a client sits across from me, I want them to know that they are accepted as they are and that we will work collaboratively on a path forward. Clients will find that I am eager to get to know them fully, and that I value warmth, compassion, humor, and genuineness.
While my therapeutic approach is guided primarily by relational-cultural, interpersonal process, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapies, I work to be flexible to meet my client’s needs. I aim to help clients gain insight into their ways of being through deep emotional exploration and reflection, examination of interpersonal patterns, and exploration of familial and cultural influences, and to develop a sense of empowerment through the application of new strategies that align with my client’s goals and values.
Clinical Areas of Interest
While I consider myself a generalist, I have significant experience and passion for the treatment of eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and coming out issues, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship concerns, family stress, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, and career development.
Professional Biography
I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa. I completed my bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) where I then worked as an admissions counselor while completing my Master’s in Public Administration. I later served as a transfer coordinator/academic advisor and adjunct instructor with Ivy Tech Community College. In 2013, I made a career transition to mental health counseling, which brought me to Iowa State University (ISU) where I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. While at ISU, I provided individual and group counseling and outreach programming at Student Counseling Service, served as a graduate assistant in the Psychology Department and Career Exploration Services, and was active with the Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success. I completed my predoctoral psychology internship at Colorado State University Health Network and then postdoctoral training with an emphasis in eating disorders at Colorado Therapy & Assessment Center. I have also completed additional training in trans and nonbinary health issues.
Personal Hobbies
I love adventure, whether that be trying a new biking trail, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or going on foodventures to local restaurants with my wife. A perfect weekend includes soaking up fresh air and sunshine as well as cuddling up on the couch with my dog and watching Food Network or college sports.