What to Expect From Me
The most important part of therapy is your relationship with your therapist. Here is what you can expect from me:
I love the use of humor and think life is too short to be taken too seriously. You can expect the use of colorful language in an open and accepting environment. I have a love-hate relationship with change and enjoy working with clients who feel the same way. I am passionate about the ability of people to change and grow. I enjoy the use of mindfulness and creative activities to support mental health and well-being. I am open to exploring information you may find online (such as TikTok, Reddit, etc.) and see what does and does not fit your experience. I will ask about any pets and will never turn down a good animal picture or meme.
Pronouns: she/her
Check out my profile on TherapyDen for more information!
My Personal and Professional Values
I adhere to the professional values set by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (dignity and worth of person, the importance of relationships, service, social justice, competence, and integrity).
A few of my personal values include compassion, acceptance, kindness, humor, open-mindedness, and self-care.
In addition to these values, I am supportive of medication-assisted treatment for substance use recovery (methadone, buprenorphine products, naltrexone, etc.) and believe that there is no one right way to recover from addiction. I welcome and affirm gender, sexual, and relationship diversity. I support biracial, indigenous, and people of color communities and dedicate time to learning and understanding my own privileges and biases. I do not offer religious-based counseling. I am a sex-positive, ethical nonmonogamy-friendly, and kink-affirming therapist. I engage in therapy as an anti-oppressive practice.
My Professional Background
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Indiana. I graduated from Butler University with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and completed my master's degree through Indiana University School of Social Work.
My previous employment includes adult outpatient and residential mental health and substance use therapy in group and individual settings. I have experience working with adults involved with the criminal justice system, Department of Child Services, and self-referred for treatment. I have experience working with individuals in the GSRD (gender, sexual, and relationship diverse) community, racial minorities, women, young adults, and adults.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Indiana (license number 34008913A). This means I am able to practice independently and have clinical training and experience helping individuals with mental health and substance use concerns.
Member of Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
I am a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), an association for the advancement of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is my primary modality for working with clients! ACT is based on the idea that increasing psychological flexibility can help individuals experiencing mental health concerns.
Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist
I have completed training through ICAADA about medication assisted treatment options for substance use recovery. I am not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medications. This training means that I understand the role of medications in substance use recovery and I do not have a personal agenda when it comes to what works for your recovery.
Yoga Teacher (200 Hour)
This one is a little random, but I am a 200 hour trained yoga instructor. While I try to not be overly hippie-dippy, I do believe that learning how to breathe and move in your body can promote mental health and overall well-being. I am also trained in Yoga of 12 Step Recovery. I currently do not teach publicly and no, I will not make you stand on your head during therapy.
My Personal Background
I typically operate on the "less about me, more about you" principle. But know that I am a human being who is also a therapist who got into this field after a positive experience with therapy. I understand the scariness and benefits of therapy.
Within seconds of entering my office, you will find out that I love animals and find them to be some of the best forms of therapy. I enjoy nature, wild birds, and listening to rock/metal music. In my free time, I like to work on crafty projects, enjoy tasty food, walk my dog with my partner, and watch TV (especially rewatching comfort shows and documentaries).