What is your style/approach to therapy?
I want to learn what is in your heart, mind, soul, and emotions and help you express those parts of yourself in a meaningful and real way. I utilize motivational interviewing to help you identify your deepest desires, strengths, and goals. I also draw upon cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches to give you the tools to achieve your goals.
Is there any research-based work you’ve done that you found particularly exciting, and how has that informed your practice today?
I use cognitive-processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure to help people who have experienced trauma and PTSD.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I began my professional career as a lawyer. Studying and practicing in the field of law helped me develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of how to navigate the practical challenges of life. However, working as a lawyer made me realize I wanted to help people on a more personal, emotional, and psychological level so they could be effective before they need a lawyer.
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.
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.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
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.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is the intentional misuse of a substances (e.g., alcohol, prescription drugs, OTC medications, recreational and street drugs, household chemicals). This may include binge drinking or taking twice the prescribed dose of painkillers. For substances considered illegal and/or extremely detrimental to well-being, using even once may be considered substance abuse. Because of the addiction potential for many substances, abuse oftentimes leads to addiction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$145
First Session
$145
Family Therapy
$145
Couples Therapy
$145
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Biofeedback
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Licensure
IL, LPC, 071010212
Education
B.A. Economics, University of Notre Dame
J.D., Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis
M.S. Counseling and Counselor Education Indiana University
Ph.D., Purdue University
Work History
I have clinical experience at a Veteran’s Affairs Hospital treating Veterans with combat and non-combat related PTSD, military sexual trauma, drug and alcohol problems, depression, anxiety, career issues, relationship problems, and homicidal and suicidal ideation. I have also worked at Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital treating psychiatric inpatients with both substance use diagnoses and co-occurring mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and antisocial personality disorder. Further, I have worked at Purdue University in their Counseling and Guidance Center where I administered, scored, interpreted, and prepared reports for personality and career testing including the MMPI-2, MCMI-III, Beck Depression Inventory, Myers-Briggs Indicator, Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and Strong Interest Inventory. As a lawyer, I worked as a family law attorney in private practice for adoption, divorce, child custody and parenting time hearings. Prior to working in private practice, I worked as a trial lawyer for Marion County Department of Child Services where I represented the State in numerous “Child in Need of Services” cases in Marion County, Indiana.