I believe that the way we interpret events in our lives heavily influences our behavior and emotional well-being. Counseling can help evaluate and adapt those interpretations to help us have a healthier and more adaptive view of ourselves, the world, and others. The narratives that we tell ourselves and others about various moments in our lives are critical to our overall functioning. Examining and re-structuring our thought patterns can help us cope with our current suffering and help us have a healthier and more joyful future. Further, key relationships in our lives have the capacity to either heal or wound, and those foundational relationships may have hurt you in some way or caused you pain. While you may have been hurt by others, I believe you were meant to connect with others and engage in meaningful and healthy relationships. Through addressing relationships, altering thought patterns, or simply providing you a place to process emotional pain, it is my goal to help you on your journey to mental health and wellness.
While I tend to approach specific issues from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) framework, I treat clients with a variety of concerns and work with them to individualize their specific treatment plan. No matter the approach, successful therapy requires a strong positive relationship between therapist and client. Therapy is also most effective when a client is able to increase in hope. While your hope may be low at certain points in your life, I will hold onto hope for you until you learn to hope again. It is a privilege for me to walk with others through their pain and suffering in this world, and I feel grateful to watch clients grow on a weekly basis.
Common issues I address through counseling include:
- Generalized anxiety
- Depression
- Acute suicidality
- Panic attacks
- Social anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance and process (e.g., sex, gambling, etc.) addiction
- Body image concerns (including body dysmorphic disorder)
- Relationship problems
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Career counseling
- Intersection of faith and mental health
Sport Psychology
I have spent many years as a member of major Division 1 athletic programs, offering mental health services, individual sport psychology sessions, workshops/seminars, mindfulness training, coaches’ consultations, academic support, and psychological assessments. I provide psychological services for youth, high school, college, and professional athletes.
Some common issues athletes face that can be addressed in counseling include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Body image concerns
- Substance use
- ADHD/learning disability
- Problematic relationships
- Sexual assault/trauma
- Identity concerns associated with injury/graduation
- Academic concerns
- Homesickness/loneliness
- Adjustment to college life
- Injury/concussions
Sport Psychology sessions can also address:
- Performance Anxiety
- Low self-esteem/confidence
- Performing well in practice but not in games
- Poor focus/lack of concentration
- Low motivation
- Burnout/wanting to quit
- Concerns with playing time
- Desire to transfer to another school
- Inconsistent performance
- Leadership skills
- Performance slumps
- “Choking”
- Communication with coaches and teammates
- Team dynamics or team chemistry
- Specialization in youth sport
I have training and experience in numerous psychological assessment areas. I offer clinical diagnostic testing, comprehensive ADHD testing, pre-surgical psychological evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, employee evaluations, and career assessments (i.e., pre-employment personality testing, career exploration, managerial and leadership evaluations).