Tell me about your counseling style?
I have a down to earth, relaxed style and am respectful of the personal nature of an individual’s journey. I believe in the importance of a professional, safe, non-judgmental relationship where a client can feel heard, empowered and free to seek answers and/or guidance toward their identified goals.
Can you tell me a little about your work experience?
After my graduation from Grand Valley State University in 2007 with my master’s in social work, I began my career as a treatment foster care specialist, working with treatment foster parents and identified youth placed specifically in specialized treatment foster homes. After about a year, I was able to secure a position within the foster care agency as an outpatient therapist. In that realm, I met with many foster and adoptive youth as well as foster and adoptive parents. I was also able to facilitate support groups and educational parenting groups. I eventually became supervisor of the behavioral health department where I continued to see children and families along with supporting other therapists and working on continued program development to strengthen service.
As time moved on, I was drawn back to hands on clinical work and took a position as a home-based therapist serving children and families identified by community mental health as SED (severely emotionally disturbed). After a couple of years, I moved on again, accepting a position with North Country Community Mental Health to provide outpatient therapy services to not only children, family, and adolescents but also adults identified with severe persistent mental illness.
What drew you to this profession?
I was actually drawn to this profession later in life after my personal experience with adoption and parenting. My husband and I adopted two children ages four and five years old at the time of adoption. They had been in the foster care system for a couple of years and moved through three homes before they came to live with us. We initially struggled in parenting and ended up seeking help. The professionals involved throughout were an inspiration for me. I learned a great deal not only about helping my children but about what I needed for myself. I was drawn to the profession to be able to give back what was given to me.
Have you had any special training during your career?
I have been certified in Eagala (equine assisted growth and learning) model for equine assisted psychotherapy. This is a specific client centered approach facilitated by a team of three (mental health professional, equine specialist, and a horse). It embraces the science that humans learn best by doing. Clients are given the space to project and analyze their situations, make connections and find their own solutions. All the work is done on the ground with the horses, there is never any riding of the horses and the horses are free to move in their environment, interacting with the client as they wish. This creates the space for the client, with the support of the professional facilitators, to reflect, project, and make deep connections.
I have also completed training in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for working with children who have had traumatic experiences. EMDR is also an evidenced based practice utilized for treatment of traumatic experiences for children, adolescents and adults.
What have you learned from working with kids and families?
I have learned that each family, child and situation is unique and believe in order to help facilitate healing, it is important to gain understanding of situations and approach problem solving from the perspective of the client/family I am serving.
What area of counseling are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults and individuals achieve their full potential; helping them through stuck places, gain self-understanding and acceptance, processing experiences as directed/needed within a safe environment.