Therapeutic Approach
I feel immensely grateful for the opportunity that I have as a therapist to walk alongside others on their journeys towards healing, growth, and personal transformation. I take a collaborative and empowering approach in my work with clients. I truly believe that the client is the expert in their own life, and I view my role as being a guide as clients reflect on their experiences, connect with their thoughts and emotions, identify areas of their life that are causing distress, and work towards personally meaningful changes. I believe that the primary source of psychological distress is the experience of disconnection from oneself and others. In order to help clients create change in their lives, I believe in the importance of creating a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and accepting. Through this relationship, I have found that many clients are able to begin the process of reconnecting to their own internal experiences in a more adaptive and self-compassionate manner, as well as gain a better sense of what keeps them from feeling fully connected with others in their lives. I also take a strengths-based approach by helping clients identify and build upon their internal and external resources. I am constantly humbled and amazed at how resilient humans are, and I have a deep and enduring belief that we all have the ability to work towards positive changes in our lives.
Clinical Areas of Interest
I consider myself to be a generalist and I have approximately 10 years of experience working with clients who present with a wide variety of concerns. One area that I am particularly passionate about is working with clients who have experienced trauma or interpersonal violence. I have extensive experience in this area and I have sought additional training in the treatment of trauma, including completing the basic training for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). I also have a lot of experience working with clients who are struggling with negative body image and disordered eating concerns, substance abuse, career concerns, depression, anxiety, and relationship distress. Finally, I really enjoy working with clients around identity concerns, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and racial/ethnic identity.
Professional Biography
I am currently a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider in the state of Iowa. I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. I attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I then went on to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. I came back to Iowa to complete my doctoral internship at the American Psychology Association’s accredited internship at Iowa State University (ISU) Student Counseling Service (SCS) and I received my Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Washington State University in August 2015. Following my internship, I accepted a position as staff psychologist at ISU, where I provided a number of services including individual and couples counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention services, preventative outreaches, and training and supervision of doctoral-level practicum students. I co-founded the Ames Psychological Wellness Center with Dr. Courtney Clippert-Treadwell in early 2017. In December that year, I stepped away from my position as Assistant Director of ISU SCS and Director of the ISU Career Exploration Services to devote my full attention to private practice.
Personal Hobbies
I consider myself to be a huge nature-enthusiast and I love spending time outdoors, whether this is hiking in a National Park or walking my dog around my neighborhood. I also enjoy camping, kayaking, gardening, or just sitting outside with friends and family. Additionally, I really love to travel and explore new cities, natural areas and parks, and new restaurants. When I’m at home, I really enjoy experimenting with new recipes, reading fiction, and working on home improvement projects. Above all else, I love spending time with my family and friends!