“I am guided by a strong belief in people’s capacity for change and the presence of hope, even in times of suffering, fear or despair. When you are accepted just as you are, you can begin to see yourself more clearly, grow in self-compassion and acceptance, discover new ways of being, and celebrate your uniqueness. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you on your healing journey; there is something almost sacred about being entrusted with someone’s vulnerable sharing. I hold deep respect for the courage this takes and strive to create a space of safety, compassion and acceptance where healing can happen.”
Evonne’s clients can expect a warm, supportive environment rooted in authenticity and empathy, in which they feel seen, accepted and encouraged as they work toward changes and goals that matter most to them. Evonne blends empathic challenges that foster self-insight with practical strategies for coping and problem-solving. She adapts therapy to each person’s needs, strengths and preferences, and seeks to understand them within the context of their unique identities, values, biology, culture, and life experiences.
Evonne has specialized training in interpersonal and attachment-based psychodynamic therapy, as well as evidence-based treatments that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed CBT (DBT-I), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy. She has additional training in interventions to address the intersection of mental health and religion/spirituality, which she can integrate in session when appropriate and as preferred by a client.
Throughout therapy sessions, Evonne’s clients may deepen self-understanding and insight, shift emotional and relational patterns, learn how to better regulate emotions, build coping skills, and experience symptom relief. Evonne partners with each person to set goals and guide therapy, working with clients to explore emotions, challenges, motivations, and experiences, and learn new coping strategies to practice between sessions.
Evonne earned a Bachelor of Science psychology degree from the University of Iowa in 2006 and completed her master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology in 2008 and 2012 at Rosemead School of Psychology, which is part of Biola University near Los Angeles, California. Evonne joined Pine Rest for her pre-doctoral psychology internship in 2011. She is Pine Rest’s Zero Suicide Clinical Director and is trained in several types of suicide prevention interventions and treatments. Evonne is currently Pine Rest’s Chief of Research Instruction & Development as well as a faculty member in Pine Rest/Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine Psychiatry Residency and Fellowship Programs.
