In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am a very positive person. I look for the good in people and allow for imperfections in others. I know that we can change our lives for the better, achieve goals and dreams, and have healthier relationships. This may mean doing some hard work, but I have a growth mindset, that we can practice to develop better decision-making skills, better habits, and better relationships. I have seen progress in these areas in my own life and in others.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
Because I have a positive outlook, I use strength-based therapies and look at the whole person. We look at what is going on in a person's life now, in the past, and what is wanted in the future. We look at solutions to immediate issues as well as long-term issues. I like to use mindfulness and personal strengths to remind clients of where they are and how far they have already come. I believe that what we feel, think, and do are all related, so we look at all of those aspects in therapy.
What impact did the scope and/or focus of your education have on your current work as a therapist?
The scope of my graduate classes was quite broad so that we were exposed to a wide variety of counseling issues and experiences. My advisor was my professor in several classes and I learned my strength-based counseling ideas from him, which dovetailed with my own therapeutic convictions. Through my practicum and internships, my viewpoint was broadened by my supervisor and colleagues from how important emotions are in therapy to neuroscience and how the brain works, I am willing and excited to explore with my clients to find the best avenue of therapy for them as individuals.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
General Expertise
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
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.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that is precipitated by a perceived terrifying event. This event need not occur directly to the person but may happen vicariously—having seen something terrible happen to another person. The condition may last months or years while symptoms include ruminating thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety when triggered, and potential substance abuse in attempt to cope.
Spirituality & religion based issues
Spirituality and religion, to a great extent, shape our moral principles, beliefs, and values. They have a role in shaping our behavior and in our relationships. Issues may include questioning one’s faith, loss of faith, struggling to find meaning, and living a life incongruent with one’s belief.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
In-Network Insurance
Sana Benefits
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Adlerian Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Licensure
KS, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, 3659
Education
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Fort Hays State University
Work History
After getting my teaching degree, I held a variety of jobs, then became a stay-at-home mother, which I believe was my most important job. I then went back to teaching English, first to middle school and then to high school students. I loved being a teacher and working with teenagers. I was a school counselor part-time while I was getting my MS in Counseling. I have also worked part-time for myself, and have worked part-time for a child advocacy center in western Kansas, where I gained experience with trauma and abuse. I have also facilitated a grief group for over four years. I have experience in counseling for grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Christian issues, women's issues, and with children and adolescents,
Location
628 Dellrose, Wichita, 67208, KS