I approach clients from a strengths-based, relationship-based and a trauma informed lens to create a safe, non-judgmental, empathic and validating space where clients and I can work collaboratively to identify patterns of behavior and belief systems that are no longer serving them or allowing them to live their most authentic lives.
I am skilled at meeting clients where they are at to help empower them to cope more effectively with life’s challenges and I believe it is important to help clients identify the narratives they have been believing about themselves and work towards a paradigm shift that is more flexible and accurate in nature.
I believe that clients are doing the best they can with the tools they’ve had available to them, and that new skills can be learned at any point, regardless of how long the maladaptive coping patterns may have been in place.
I am passionate about helping clients find and use their voice to create meaningful change in their lives and to learn to trust themselves knowing they have the ability to cope effectively and to honor the wisdom and answers that exist inside of themselves. I view myself as a collaborative guide that clients can utilize in their self-discovery process and I consider it a privilege to be part of their healing journey. My approach is integrative in nature, as I believe that any effective therapeutic approach needs to incorporate mind, body and spirit and I incorporate mindfulness practices into helping clients alleviate their suffering. Moreover, my approach is flexible, collaborative, and extremely supportive.
Over the past twenty years of working as a mental health professional and clinical social worker, I have worked with a wide range of clients from very diverse backgrounds. I have a special interest, but not limited to working with adolescents as I am very familiar with some of the unique needs and approaches required to effectively treat adolescents and have worked as a school social worker in a high school setting for many years; I am also interested in working with women of all ages who have struggled with body image issues to help them create greater peace with food and greater body acceptance utilizing a H.A.E.S. (Health at Every Size) approach.
B.A. Psychology, Hamline University in St. Paul, MN
M.S.W., The University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine’s
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Licensed School Social Worker
DBT Certified
Anxiety Disorder
Substance Abuse
Compulsive Disorders
Depression
Domestic Violence
Gender Transition
Grief Management
High Risk Behaviors
Identity & Body Image
Relationship Issues
Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian)
Stress Management
Traumatic Loss
Women’s Issues
Teens/Adolescents
Adults
Minnetonka, MN
Behavioral Modification
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Therapy
Supportive Psychotherapy
Our clinical team is diverse and in keeping with our vision this allows for choice. We merge personal background and experience, education, creativity, and passion into a professional vision: commitment to diversity in both theory and practice. We make every effort to assign clinicians with respect to a client’s and/or family’s therapeutic and cultural needs.
Think of us as your cheerleaders on the sidelines. You've seen it, the smile, the simple nod of the head. Small gestures that say: we understand, we are listening and we are here for you. That's who we are.