My philosophy of counseling is that my job is to walk alongside you in your journey. You are the expert of your own life. I believe that life difficulties are normal through the lifespan and asking for help is a healthy response to difficulty. My goal is to assist you in learning the skills to solve your own problems. I can help with life difficulties, relationship difficulties, grief counseling, diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders, and career exploration. I am also trained in premarital counseling using Prepare-Enrich. I use a combination of acceptance-commitment therapy, internal family systems therapy, and emotion-focused therapy depending on the difficulty being addressed, the research supported methods for treating that difficulty, and your preferences.

 

I am just beginning my counseling career but I have had a lot of life experience. My bachelor’s degree was in Art Education and Psychology from Calvin University in 1991 and I was an art and technology teacher for about 18 years. I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Cornerstone University in 2022. I counsel adolescents, adults and couples and I am trauma and addiction informed.

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In my personal life, I experienced the loss of my husband in 2015. I have three grown children and we have walked through some difficult times together. While I personally believe in God, I am also cognizant of religious trauma. I strongly respect your worldview and would never push my beliefs on you. However, it can be helpful to address the whole person -  body, mind and spirit, and if you desire spiritual integration in the counseling experience I am happy to include it.

 

I love to travel and you never know where in the world I might be for our sessions. Whereever it is, though, I'll make sure I have privacy and good internet.