Gradually, I began to separate my identity from the diagnosis. I developed practices to calm my body, such as connecting with nature through camping, kayaking, skiing, traveling, and hiking. These activities have given me a unique perspective on perseverance and resilience, which I sincerely appreciate. In the past five years, my husband and daughter have also been diagnosed with neurological disorders.
After spending time grieving our circumstances, we chose to fully embrace life. We are mindful of our son, ensuring that he is not placed in a position where he would have to be our caretaker. Instead, we focus on enjoying our time together and creating lasting memories. Regardless of my chronic health journey, if you choose to work with me, you will experience the most progressive and compassionate version of myself, regardless of why you are seeking out counseling.
Since I was eight years old, I have known that I wanted to be a counselor. In 2003, I followed my instincts and enrolled in graduate school to become a mental health and drug and alcohol counselor. These vocations felt familiar to me as I grew up in an alcoholic family. Fifteen years ago, despite my knowledge about substance use, I experienced severe postpartum anxiety and turned to alcohol to calm my nerves. Within four short years, I had gradually become an alcoholic. I am proud to say that I have over a decade of sobriety now.
Unfortunately, three months into my sobriety, I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis in my right eye, and in 2018, I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. As a therapist, I understood the steps I needed to take to manage my mindset, but I found myself feeling blocked.
Why I do this work...
I’ll guide you to the rock. But you’ll be the one to step up onto it.
When you need a firm place stand,
06.
of healing for me. I look forward to uncovering what emotional healing is all about for you.
Embracing who I am has been the single most important aspect
05.
I found myself in a fog of panic and resistance. I recognize why it’s SO HARD to accept a life-altering diagnosis.
Right after I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,
04.
When we understand where our shame stems from, we unlock so much potential and lean into the grieving process.
I know you still feel inadequate at times
03.
I know you are showing your strength when nobody is watching, and you’re fighting battles others know nothing about.
I’m not a “how does that make you feel” therapist. I’m not opposed to the question, but I don’t rely on it as my only form of inquiry. My goal is to help you get unstuck, offer new perspectives, and make our time together be an inspiring experience for you.
what makes me different?
01.
02.
FULFILLING, MEANINGFUL, AND INTENTIONAL.
Our work together will move fluidly between the past and present so you can create a future that is
EDUCATION & LICENSe
As a psychotherapist, I adhere to different approaches such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
and Mindfulness
I received my Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, WI in 2005. I maintain a license as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin (4160-125) and a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) license (14735-132).
I have found that most clients who hire me are really seeking out actionable tools to handle their external and internal stressors. I work hard for you, but I don’t work harder than you. Because of this, we have a mutually agreed upon pace. We are usually successful in a short period of time and I would never share techniques with you that I have not already tried.
