If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
More than twenty years ago, I read the book, "Something More" by Sarah Ban Breathnach and it changed my whole way of thinking about life. I've never been the same (in a good way). I would like for my clients to understand those same freedoms.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
In the 8th grade, my Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Sills would talk about her husband's job as a high school counselor. His work sounded like what I wanted to do, but with her personality. So I combined the two of them to form the approach to my career.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Most clients know what they want to work on and have goals when they enter therapy. I just help with the fine tuning and choosing the path that is best for each person. Most of my clients want me to listen, provide feedback, offer support, and help with additional ideas. The relationship seems to be the core of counseling.
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
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.
General Expertise
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Fees
$130
First Session
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
My licensures require about 20 hours of continuing education every year for the last 30 years.
Licensure
AR, LPC, P0204080
Education
Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Arkansas
Work History
The purpose behind my work choices was to gain a variety of interesting skills. In 30 years of practice, it would have been possible to get bored and burned out, so my goal has been to remain active and excited about counseling. I have enjoyed a career in outpatient community mental health, inpatient work, on-call, emergency room, college counseling, teaching at a college, therapy at a jail, supervision of new counselors, private practice, and now online work. All of those have provided a variety and consistency that kept me motivated in the counseling workforce.
Location
3004 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, 72901, AR