What is your style/approach to therapy?
I like to build a trusting relationship in therapy, as every good therapist does. I also like to get to work as soon as you are comfortable. We will look at the difficult parts of your situation and consider hard truths, yet we will not go faster than you are comfortable with. As we face these things, we will be looking at how to build knowledge and skills that will translate outside of session, so that you can meet your goals and "graduate" from therapy if that is what you desire. In being both a social worker and having training in Marriage and Family Therapy, I like to look at the person in their environment. What is very much a part of that environment are oppressive systems. Social justice is a consideration in the work we do together at times. Throughout this process, I am validating my clients experiences and emotions and encouraging my clients to extend grace to themselves.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
I have noticed when working with clients, that their attachment styles impact how they relate to themselves and to others. It can help answer questions like, "Why am I so cruel when we fight?" "Why don't they text me back?" "I thought we were in a good place, what happened!?" Attachment, in its most simple terms, is how we behave in relationships based on our past experiences with caregivers and/or past romantic or otherwise significant relationships. This can be “The Why” behind our behaviors in a relationship. A person's attachment can be predominantly secure, anxious, avoidant or disorganized. Knowing this information about ourselves can be like discovering the blueprint to your relationships. I like to explore my clients' attachment styles with them to help them better understand the behaviors with others and others behaviors towards them.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am, at my core, a psych nerd. I love learning how people work and giving that information back to people in a way that they can actually apply to reach their goals. While I love processing feelings, I also want my clients to know how to create a better experience for themselves by practicing skills and tools that work for them outside of session. I genuinely love people, so I get excited, sad and frustrated with my clients, yet still step back and look at the situation from that objective psych lens that is needed to problem-solve. I also believe that humor is important in any journey and therapy is no exception. I like to laugh with my clients when appropriate, so I might make a joke or mention an applicable meme or show.
Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Attachment issues
Children that experience parents and/or guardians that are avoidant, ambivalent, or resistant from an early age, may develop attachment issues. This can manifest as difficulty forming or maintaining friendships, romantic relationships and empathetic bonds throughout life, as well as other issues.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Marriage issues
Issues within a marriage. Can include issues related to trust, intimacy, communication, infidelity, parenting, or conflict. Can also include discussion related to separation or divorce.
Couples
Provides couples therapy/counseling
General Expertise
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
Premarital counseling
Premarital counseling is a specialized form of therapy that helps prepare couples for marriage. Although it is helpful for struggling couples, it may be useful for anyone looking to build a stronger foundation moving into marriage. Couples may explore considerations around healthy communication, merging families, where to live, children, occupation, finances, maintaining a sense of self, supporting one another, and the wedding itself.
Fees
$130
Couples Therapy
$110
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Strength Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
The Gottman Method
Training / Certifications
Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Denver Family Institute
Licensure
CO, LCSW, 09926910
Education
Masters of Social Work, Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minnesota State University, Twin Cities
Work History
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with training in Marriage and Family Therapy from Denver Family Institute. I have been working in mental health since 2011, working with adult individuals and couples in therapy since 2015 and have been in private practice since 2018. I support clients in connecting with themselves and others using attachment and systems theories, meaning that, I work with your relationships and environment in mind. I support my clients with knowledge and tools and evidenced based skills that they can start using right away. I engage my clients in skills, in session, that they will use outside of session to manage their presenting concerns.
Location
7878 W. 80th Place, Ste 1G, Arvada, 80005, CO