Specializations
Depression & Anxiety
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, the goal is to help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Trauma & PTSD
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. I can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
I am trained in CBT, EMDR and take a close look at each individual situation to determine the best fit for treatment. I am currently in the process of becoming certified in a groundbreaking new and soon to be FDA approved treatment for PTSD and other mental health disorders as well.
Chronic illness/chronic pain
Are you a Zebra?
A common saying that's taught in medical schools in order to diagnose a patient is, "When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." This phrase is meant to help doctors consider the 'likeliest possibilities' when making a diagnosis instead of the more rare and unusual ones. But what if you're the zebra? Unfortunately, it is all too common these days for patients to feel overlooked when there isn't a clear answer that leads to a diagnosis with a path forward. This mentality has been damaging to many chronic illness patients out there that might have been over looked for far too long. And, let's be honest, WE'RE ALL ZEBRAS in some ways!
In 2019, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that wreaked havoc on my body and forever changed me as a person. I did all the right things. I was a strong advocate for myself, researched AI disease, used conventional and non-conventional healing methods, radically changed my diet, exercised, took the meds, did meditation, joined support groups, went to therapy, visited Mayo Clinic, and took so many supplements I felt like my body might have turned into a GNC. Some of it helped. Much of it didn’t. My biggest obstacle was accepting a new normal and working through the fear that comes with that. Accepting pain doesn’t mean approval or that I discontinue seeking relief. It meant finding some sort of meaning and help in the midst of suffering. Perhaps some of this is resonating. If so, please reach out for support.
Addiction
Addiction is defined as continued use of a substance despite negative consequences. These consequences range from strain on relationships, financial stress, consequences with employment, health consequences, legal consequences, etc.
Addiction is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
I have over 10 years of experience working in a residential treatment center setting with all types of addictions, including process addictions. These behavioral addictions can include: technology addiction, shopping/spending, gambling, eating, exercise, etc. In counseling you will learn tools to minimize the risk of substance relapse, learn to set healthy boundaries with yourself and others and explore the underpinnings of addiction.