Creating practices to calm my body down, such as connecting with nature through camping, kayaking, skiing, traveling, and hiking, has offered me a unique perspective of perseverance and resiliency I do not take for granted. Despite the neurological disorders my husband, daughter, and I live with, we choose to live life fully. We are mindful of our son and do not put him in a position to be our caretaker. We enjoy our time together and making memories we can focus on instead of the potential fear and uncertainty that come along with chronic health. Regardless of my chronic health journey, if you choose to work with me, you will get the most progressive and attentive version of me.
My Body was Acting Out…
It was causing me pain in places I had never had pain before. The worst symptom was the severe pain and vision loss I was experiencing in my right eye. I was anxious, afraid, and alone. It would take three years to diagnose me. I could have gone to a different medical system for a 2nd opinion, but the comments I received about my physical symptoms being somatic and drug-seeking paralyzed me. When I was diagnosed with Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in March of 2018, I was SO relieved. As a therapist, I knew what I needed to do to get out of my head, but I was blocked. Slowly, I started to separate myself from my diagnosis.
a little bit about ME...
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,
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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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.
