At the heart of my practice is the desire to create a safe place for my clients to heal and experience a sustained restoration of self, safety in the world and increased connection with others. I enjoy working with people who come to counseling for many mental health concerns, including trauma, grief and loss of all types, mood and anxiety disorders, and family of origin issues.
My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered with an attachment theory focus. I work with clients in a collaborative way. I have completed EMDRIA approved training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness skills, Somatic Experiencing and others. The intervention used is dependent on each individual’s needs, goals, and learning style.
My husband and I moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1991 where we raised our four daughters. While raising our daughters, I pursued my Social Work degree and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) supporting children in the court system, worked with refugees through World Relief Spokane, volunteered with the homeless population, and worked as a Hospice Social Worker. Additionally, I volunteered with a mental health crisis line for three years and have been working or volunteering in the mental health field since 2017.
I graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with my Bachelor of Social Work in 2018 and Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington University in 2020. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the State of Idaho and a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
I absolutely love what I do!