My motivation to be a clinical therapist comes from a deep passion for helping people flourish. Regardless of where you start, I strive to create a warm and supportive space where we can walk together on your journey toward positive change. I believe in the power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where we work as a team to uncover your strengths and help you achieve your goals. I am convinced that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, I aim to empower my clients to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
I am dedicated to creating a safe space where listening, validation, collaborative problem-solving, and goal setting are infused with hope and compassion. In therapy, you can expect to explore how you arrived at your current situation while also focusing on ways to improve and move forward positively.
I take an integrative approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions, being informed by dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed, and solution-focused practices. I emphasize the importance of relationships and how they impact and shape us, and I believe that effective treatment is not one-size-fits-all; it should be as unique as the individuals I work with. My focus is on helping clients set achievable goals and walking alongside each of my patients to help them develop the skills needed to reach those goals.
I am a fully licensed clinical social worker and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Pine Rest I am also the clinic manager at the Northeast Clinic. I completed my undergraduate degree at Calvin University, and earned my Master’s of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. I started at Pine Rest in 1997, and have worked in various behavioral health settings since. My primary clinical focus in outpatient therapy is working with older adolescents and adults.