In my work with older adolescents and adults, my overall approach to therapy is one of collaboration and empowerment, working with clients to build meaning in their lives, decrease their distress, and work towards their personal goals. I work with a wide variety of concerns, such as relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and gender and sexual identity development. With all clients, I work to create a strong, safe relationship, by providing culturally competent care that is unique and specific to each client. I also enjoy collaborating with other people who are important in clients’ lives, such as other health care providers, family members, and other professionals (such as teachers or spiritual/religious leaders). I have a particular passion and focused training in trauma-informed approaches to therapy, including with survivors of sexual violence, as well as LGBTQIA affirmative therapy.
I graduated with my Ph.D. from Ball State University, and completed my training at the University of Utah’s Counseling Center. I recently moved back to Muncie after spending five years in North Dakota. I strive to have strong work-life balance, and love anything that involves being outdoors, such as gardening and playing with my two dogs, Maggie and Dexter, as well as cheering on my sports teams from my home state of Kansas.