Get to Know Me
People come to me for help when they're feeling stuck. The negative self-talk won't stop, the feelings of overwhelm and shame outweigh the feelings of peace and pride, and they can't seem to change that on their own. Oftentimes they’ve struggled to connect with past therapists and didn’t get the results or relief they were looking for. Perhaps you can relate?
Clients describe me as relatable, understanding, and dedicated. I’ll role-model authenticity and self-acceptance in our sessions to help you get comfortable in your own skin. I feel grateful to be trusted with hearing your most vulnerable experiences and insecurities. Because of this, I’ll treat you with the care and empathy you deserve.
We will build a relationship based on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. My goal is for our relationship to feel safe and secure. Together, we'll take a look at the experiences from your past that are contributing to your current struggles. As we process these experiences, you'll learn to let go of the baggage from your past and accept yourself. The beautiful thing about therapy is that our relationship also becomes a tool for healing. When you can show up to therapy feeling authentic, connected, and valued you’re that much closer to self-acceptance!
If you choose to work together, you'll find that you're a priority to me. I see a maximum of 16 clients per week so that I can be my best therapist self in our sessions- no burnt out zombie therapists here! I participate in monthly individual consultation, two monthly peer consultation groups, and a monthly anti-racism group. How does this affect you? It means that I'm supported as a therapist so that I don't burn out and that I have a variety of people to consult with to make sure you get the best care possible.
If you feel we'll work well together, I encourage you to reach out. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and learning how I can help you feel better.
Why I Became a Therapist
I decided to become a helper because throughout my life, people have helped me. I struggled with intense and debilitating anxiety beginning in high school and had difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, both with friends and romantic partners, throughout my life. Just like any other human being, I’ve had my fair share of life transitions to navigate. From graduating school, to starting new jobs, to dealing with breakups, and losing loved ones, I know that life is not easy.
I understand the value of a good therapist, because it wasn’t until I started working with someone I connected well with that I started to feel relief. Through my time in therapy, I learned that often beneath anxiety and depression are self-esteem issues, and often beneath self-esteem issues are past experiences that we never fully healed from. I'm further along in my healing journey, and feel a lot better than I did in my 20s. I like myself, am able to be authentic in relationships, and feel more comfortable setting boundaries. I want to help you feel the relief that comes from processing your past baggage too.
I am a gender-affirming, LGBTQIIA- allied, feminist therapist who is a firm believer of health at every size, and am actively doing my own anti-racism work.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services: Penn State University
Master's of Education in Counselor Education: Penn State University
Former Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor: Pennsylvania
Licensed Professional Counselor: Pennsylvania & Colorado
Certified EMDR Therapist: EMDRIA
IFS-Informed EMDR, Level I: Syzygy Institute
Will I Ever Be Good Enough?: Dr. McBride's five-step recovery model for survivors of narcissistic abuse
Treating Adult Clients of Emotionally Immature Parents: Dr. Lindsay Gibson
On a Personal Note
Before being a therapist, I am first and foremost a human being. I love being outdoors (if you couldn't tell from my website photos) and enjoy hiking and gardening. I also enjoy working with my hands through woodworking, sewing, and other arts-and-crafts projects. Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. Last but certainly not least, I am a dog-mom to two naughty but adorable dogs.