Therapeutic Approach
I am passionate about my role as a therapist and feel honored that I can support others as they work toward their personal growth and goals. I strongly believe in the importance of the relationship between therapist and client, therefore I focus on providing clients a comfortable environment that allows them to fully explore their experiences in a safe context. Additionally, my work with clients is collaborative and allows for flexibility to meet the specific needs of each individual I work with. I believe that client concerns are in part related to incongruence between current view of self versus one’s ideal view of self. These difficulties are often further impacted by challenging past experiences and hurtful relationships with others, which impacts our view of self, others, and the world. Therefore, I work with clients to help them increase feelings of empowerment, develop a greater understanding of self, adapt helpful ways of coping, and understand the impact of past experiences and relationships on current concerns. I also aim to help clients perceive themselves more accurately and learn to accept strength and weakness as part of their overall positive nature. I assist client’s in learning to trust their feelings and thoughts and take action to overcome feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. Within my work with clients I take a multiculturally aware approach that is based on defining goals and utilizing interventions that are consistent with the life experiences and cultural values of the client.
Clinical Areas of Interest
I consider myself to be a generalist and have experience working with clients who present with a wide variety of concerns. One area I am particularly passionate about is working with individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. I served as the graduate assistant for grief and loss services at Oklahoma State University Student Counseling Services for two years, coordinator grief and suicide prevention services at Iowa State University Student Counseling Services for three years, and have attended multiple trainings and conferences related to grief, and supported many bereaved individuals. I am honored when I am able to support individuals through what is often one of the most challenging experiences in their lives. Additionally, I have experience working with disordered eating and body image concerns. I served for several years on two eating disorder treatment teams at Iowa State University and have supported many individuals working to improve their relationship with food and their body.
Professional Biography
I am currently a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in the state of Iowa. I was born in Lincoln, NE and pursued my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. I then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where I pursued my masters and PhD in counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University (OSU). While at OSU I had the opportunity to complete training experiences in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health, medical setting, and college counseling. I moved to Ames in 2015 to complete an internship at the American Psychology Association’s accredited internship at Iowa State University Student Counseling Service (SCS) and received my PhD in 2016. I was hired as a staff psychologist at SCS in 2016 and have worked there full-time since. I am currently the Director of Student Counseling Services, although I have served in several different roles over the past six years including: Group Coordinator, Grief and Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Eating Disorder Coordinator, & Clinical Director.
Personal Hobbies
I love to spend time outside and being active, whether it be running, biking, taking my dogs for walks, playing disc golf, or camping. I have two goldendoodle dogs, Bailey and Stella. They are both full of energy and love to play. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, particularly playing board games and card games. Lastly, I play the piano and find it to be a great way to de-stress after a long day.
3510 Lincoln Way, Suite 300, Ames, IA 50014 | Phone: (515) 292-9251 | Fax: (844) 895-6179 | info@ameswellnesscenter.com