MY BACKGROUND:
My belief in the transformational impact of the expressive arts began as a child, with the therapeutic influence of art making, play, drums, music, stories, nature, and horses. The years that followed affirmed for me that expression and relationship held the potential to be as therapeutically influential with others, across a variety cultures and demographics, as it had been for me. The approaches that helped craft the path behind me are an integral part of my present and future, fueling my dedication to supporting others towards wellness, fulfillment, and connection.
I recieved my Masters degree from the Expressive Arts Therapy Program at the University of Louisville in Kentucky in 2004. Since that time, I’ve benefited from professional experience in a number of therapeutic venues including schools, residential care providers, in-patient treatment facilities, rehabilitation programs, and out-patient therapy settings. My credentials include licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Iowa, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) from the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, Expressive Arts Therapist/Trauma-Informed (EXAT) from the Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, and status an EMRIA approved trained EMDR therapist.
MY PHILOSOPHY:
Our work together is a partnership. I view my role as one that assists individuals and families towards identifying challenges, strengths, and developing resources to successfully address problem areas. I believe each person is a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, and capable of growth, health, and the realization of treatment goals. My goal is for others to feel like they have received authentic, personalized care that fosters a sense of warm acceptance, empathy, direction, and hope.
MY QUALITIES:
I provide authentic, present listening and the willingness to enter into another’s experience alongside them with empathy, compassion, and focus on establishing strong therapeutic relationship. I embrace opportunities to meet others where they are at emotionally and behaviorally and encourage clients and families to choose the directions they want to go in therapy. In our journey together, I provide clinical assessment, carefully considered recommendations, thoughtfully timed challenges, and a person-centered, integrative approach to the facilitation of growth, restoration, and/or integration of traumatic or stressful life experiences.
MY DAILY MOTIVATION:
Each and every day I’m grateful to engage in multi-modal, evidence-based, and expressive practices that encourage resolution and improvement in challenge areas. I’m motived by the belief that there is always opportunity to make a difference; one small step can lead to a wave of positive momentum. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
