Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Education
- Master of Education in Marriage and Family Counseling, University of Florida
- Specialist in Education, University of Florida
- Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Psychology, University of North Florida
Professional Interests
Hello and welcome! I understand that therapy can be a deeply personal journey and that clients often come to me when they feel hurt or lost. As such, my clinical interests include working with concerns related to grief and loss, identity development, career development, adjustment/transition difficulties, and self-esteem (including body image and perfectionism). In addition, I specialize in working with trauma (Big “T” and little “t”) and problems in romantic or family of origin relationships.
I work from a variety of modalities (including individual, group, couple, and family counseling). I particularly enjoy working with emerging adults, first generation/low-income students, marginalized populations, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In my clinical practice, I place a strong emphasis on advocacy and accountability. I am dedicated to continual self-reflection and pursuing ongoing education to enhance my ability to serve each person who enters my counseling room.
Approach to Therapy
In order to “meet you where you are,” I use a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed lens in my sessions. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and emphasize collaboration and feedback with my clients in our work. I aim to join my clients in their experience and utilize a person-centered, strengths-based approach to help clients recognize, honor, and reshape maladaptive parts of themselves. My goal is to create a “safe space” that offers comfort and empowers my clients to move together with me into a “brave space.” In simple terms, I'm here to lend a compassionate, nonjudgmental ear (and a sprinkle of humor), while also gently challenging any mistaken beliefs or self-deceptions that come up, and consistently affirming your inner strength and capabilities.
My clinical work draws from several therapeutic orientations including: Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I also may incorporate art therapy exercises, psychodrama interventions, and biofeedback into my sessions. Consider this fair warning: I love using metaphors and visual images and may even throw in some memes or pop culture references during our sessions. After all, there are times when words fall short in fully communicating what we are feeling!
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” -Brené Brown
Approach to Supervision
I tend to utilize the Discrimination Model and a developmental lens in my work with supervisees. By moving between the roles of teacher, consultant, and counselor, I emphasize flexibility in order to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual that I supervise. I believe in promoting safety and trust within a supervisory relationship and aim to offer the same “brave space” to my supervisees that I do to each of my clients. I encourage self-reflection and accountability in my supervisees, while also offering validation and support for professional growth.
Approach to Wellness
I highly value self-care and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I can often be seen painting at local art studios or at dog parks with my (very spoiled!) puppy, Goose. I enjoy reading, playing video games, and watching anime, as well as attending local drag shows and musical theater productions. I am a recovering plant murderer (who now has WAY too many houseplants in my collection) and love collecting fun facts to blurt out when I need a conversation starter.
In addition, I believe in the strong connection between mental and physical health and intentionally prioritize my eating and sleep schedules to help me maintain a healthy rhythm. Mental health impacts physical health and vice versa!
Other Activities
I am a Certified Circle of Security-Parenting Facilitator and, in my off hours, provide training in the community to parents who are struggling to connect with and understand their young children. In my free time, I enjoy furthering my education by taking classes offered at UF and attending professional trainings and conferences.