Counselor-In-Training (CIT)
I have recently obtained a M.Ed. with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephens College. I am a lifelong Columbia resident, and graduated from Rock Bridge High School before obtaining a BA in Psychology from Mizzou.
I come from a family of mental health professionals, and started working in the field from an early age. At the age of 14 I was working in the main office of Family Counseling Center and loved what I observed. To date I bring 19 years of experience in the field, with experience working at Stephens College Counseling Center, Boone County Family Resources (BCFR), Boone County Children’s Division, Columbia Public Schools, University of Missouri Health Care and Woodhaven. I also have 12 years of experience as a peer counselor on 7 Cups of Tea.
I am passionate about working with children in foster care as well as their caregivers/ support systems, individuals who have complex medical needs and their caregivers, and families without legal involvement.
I enjoy supporting families and individuals of all ages on their journey to re-define what wellness looks like for them and how to cope with their unique challenges.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Person-Centered Therapy. I incorporate elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Existential Therapy and tailer according to individual needs. In my work with clients of all ages, I emphasize themes of resilience, genuineness, compassion, empowerment and confidence.
My areas of interest include:
- Anxiety/OCD/Panic/Phobias
- Bipolar & Mood disorders
- Caregiver Support & Resilience
- Children in Foster Care
- Complex Medical Conditions and/or Developmental Disabilities
- Coping and Chronic Illness
- Existential Issues (Finding Meaning in Life)
- Grief / Loss
- Hospice/Palliative Care
- Identity/Gender Exploration/LGBTQ+
- Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
- Parent-Child Dynamics
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Stress & Burnout
- Survivors of Sexual Trauma