I help people with anxiety, depression and prenatal/postpartum adjustment. Anxiety and depression can wreak havoc on our daily lives and in relationships; you end up feeling miserable and don’t quite know why or how it got this bad. You want to feel more in control, confident, peaceful , motivated – happy. You want a safe place to talk and get some help sorting things out. I also offer a Christian perspective in therapy, if you so choose.
I got started in the field of helping when I was in high school. People talked to me about their problems and I liked listening. I have been drawn to the psychotherapy profession ever since I can remember. I have had some amazing training and was mentored by some world class therapists. Through my schooling and work, along the way I discovered that I had a lot to learn about myself, UGH! I was involved in a therapy group that staff therapists were required to participate in. It was tough — I heard lots of things I really didn’t want to hear from people who cared about my best interest and growth, and guess what, it helped me grow and I learned so much about myself and others. I was SOLD on the therapy process and how it can help us become the best version of ourselves. However, like everyone else I am not always the best version of myself, as sometimes life is straight up tough. Bad things happen, we get hurt, get down and the world is confusing and scary at times. It can all be a lot. I have discovered I need a lot of support, feedback and sometimes a good kick in the pants from people I trust who want me to be my best self. I believe that the willingness and the process of working to become the best version of ourselves makes us better therapists.
I have helped hundreds of people over the years get their lives back. It is such an honor to sit with people who choose to trust me to open up their hearts and lives. I have seen people transform themselves. If they can do it, so can you!
My Study and Work Life
I have been training and working as a therapist since 1991 and in social services since 1988, and in the Quad Cities since 1997. I have developed several areas of interest and expertise over the years — anxiety, depression, prenatal and postpartum adjustment, stress management, grief counseling, phase of life problems (raising children, retirement, aging, etc.), relationship problems, boundary setting, self-esteem/self-worth and counseling with a Christian perspective. My approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address life challenges. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual and/or family to help build on strengths and attain the personal growth you are committed to accomplishing. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness and Life Coaching strategies to challenge limiting beliefs, promote growth, and to clarify life and relationship goals.
- William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
- University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Master’s Degree in Social Work.
- Extensive training and experience in individual, family, and group therapy and in effective ways of helping people.
- Clinical Internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Psychiatry Institute for Juvenile Research.
- Worked in various clinical settings including residential treatment for children and adolescents in the Chicago area, research in Chicago targeting pregnant mothers with AIDS, in-home therapy, a mediator with adoptive and birth parents, a corporate Employees Assistance Program specializing in family therapy, Day Treatment for adolescents and their families, and private practice since 2006.
- Licensed in Iowa and Illinois as an Independent Clinical Social Worker since 1996.
- Appeared on the Paula Sands Live TV Show and was featured in the documentary “If You Only Knew: The Journey Through Teen Depression and Suicide.”
