Approach
- My goal is to offer an atmosphere of compassion, collaboration, and hope throughout the therapy process
- I value the power of relational connection that evolves as trust and emotional safety are created over time between client and therapist
- My practice is LGBT-affirming
- I have particular interests and experience working with: college students, caregivers, adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one, couples who want to get along better, and persons interested in a holistic approach (mind-body-spirit) to wellness
- If the problems or concerns that you bring to therapy are outside of my scope of training and expertise, I will be happy to assist you to find a provider who can better meet your needs
Education and License
I earned a B.A. from Kalamazoo College in 1996. I dropped English as a major when I realized that I just wanted to take psychology and sociology classes! I served as a resident assistant for three years, and loved working with the student development staff.
Kalamazoo continued to be my home while I earned my M.A. (1998) and Ph.D. (2004) in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. During my graduate education at WMU, I was a M.A. intern at the Borgess Hospital Partial Hospitalization Program, trained peer educators to provide sexual assault prevention programming on campus, co-facilitated a support group for sexual assault survivors, and provided individual therapy to students at Western Michigan University’s Counseling Center. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Ball State University, where I offered individual, couples, and group therapy, and specialized in LGB issues.
In 2003, I moved to northern Michigan to enjoy all that nature and the four seasons have to offer. While I established my clinical practice, I served as an adjunct instructor for Grand Valley State University’s Social Work program, and Western Michigan University’s Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Program. I’ve been working as a psychologist in independent practice in Traverse City since 2004. I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan.
Memberships
American Psychological Association
- Division 17 Counseling Psychology (the Section for the Independent Practice of Counseling Psychology and the Section for the Advancement of Women)
- Division 44 Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues
Michigan Psychological Association