ABOUT ME

Nice to meet you

My initial interest in psychotherapy started in junior high school when I discovered the world of psychology. I enjoyed taking personality tests and learning about the subject. Several years later, I chose social work and psychology as my majors at Union College in Nebraska. After working for several years in the field in acute mental health and Early Head Start, I took some time off when my kids were little. I went back to school, to Texas State University to obtain my Master's Degree in Social Work. I love the wide variety of work that is possible with social work and especially love being able to make a difference in people's lives.

I am married and have one grown son, a teenage daughter, as well as two dogs and many chickens.

I enjoy learning about and interacting with people of other cultures and spent a year in Bolivia when I was in college, so I speak moderately fluent Spanish.

I am a Christian and see spiritual beliefs as a strength that I incorporate into sessions to the extent that the client desires. I believe in meeting people where they are at and making them feel comfortable.

I am happy to be an immigrant to Texas, my favorite state, and the one I have lived in the longest. Minnesota, my childhood state will always be special too.

EXPERIENCE

My methods

Behavior therapy

In behavior therapy, the main focus is on learning's role in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors.

CPT

IIn cognitive processing therapy, I treat PTSD utilizing a cognitive approach in which we examine what you think about the trauma.

Cognitive therapy

In cognitive therapy, the focus is on what people think rather than what they do.

Other therapies

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Person-Centered

Mindfulness

Qualifications

Education

Union College

(now Union Adventist University)

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Social Work

Texas State University

Master's Degree in Social Work

Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Woker,

Texas License #59574

What is an LCSW?

An LCSW, licensed clinical social worker, has a Master's Degree in social work. Social work is a field which incorporates elements of sociology and psychology to provide a broad knowledge base of human dynamics and behavior. After obtaining a Master's Degree, to be licensed in Texas, a social worker is required to work in a clinical setting for 3000 hours while being supervised by a board-approved LCSW. To maintain the license, at least 30 hours of additional education every two years is required. Licensees are fingerprinted and background checked on a regular basis.