I view therapy as a fluid process rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. So, my ideal client is one who will show up fully (but you get to define what that means on a particular day), risk being open and vulnerable (and it’s okay for that to take some time), and bring your authentic self into our work together.

ALL aspects of your identity are welcome, and I believe you have the right to decide what you want to share with me and when. And I will continually strive to earn and maintain your trust while respecting your goals, culture, beliefs, and empowering your right to make your own choices.

My ideal client is one who probably doesn’t see how special they are, how they are enough exactly as they are…and it is my privilege and joy to remind them of that every time they need it.

I specialize in college student mental health (undergraduate and graduate), but also work with adults (ages 18-70) facing all kinds of life challenges. Therapy is both hard work and a space in which to have fun and celebrate the passions, interests, and strengths that make you unique. I tend to use humor a lot (and rather colorful language at times so you can decide if you want to read what is written on my mugs).

I will also enthusiastically draw upon stories, song lyrics, movies, and much more to explore meaning and themes underlying your experiences and struggles. I do enjoy a good metaphor so I invite you to share your favorite things...or else you can expect to hear about The Lord of the Rings, cats (mine, not the movie), Harry Potter, Marvel, Calvin and Hobbes, Bob Ross, Big Bang Theory, and definitely some Panic! and Taylor lyrics! Essentially, I believe in treating the whole person and that includes all aspects of your identity, personality, passions, and other things that make you uniquely you!

My counseling style is very relationship-focused. I work to help you feel safe, seen, and valued within our therapy relationship so you can change how you see yourself in the world and navigate its adventures, challenges, and obstacles with greater confidence. None of us are completely confident at all times or in all situations (karaoke anyone?)! But by working together to build self-confidence and self-esteem, I help you gain a clearer understanding and acceptance of all aspects of yourself through a counseling approach that is warm, gentle, and supportive. I like to work with clients as a respectful collaborator and I encourage you to bring your interests and passions into the work we do together. Another consistent piece of my counseling style is helping you actively engage in self-compassion and self-care while helping you also identify unhealthy relationship patterns, build your assertiveness, create healthy boundaries, embrace your uniqueness and strengths, and start to recognize yourself as a strong, resilient, and amazing creation. This is one of my favorite parts of being a therapist. And until my clients can see those qualities in themselves, I will gladly hold them up to be seen in the meantime.

I specialize in helping my clients with a wide range of challenges: difficult life transitions; the demands of sport/athletics and academics; unhealthy relationship dynamics with family, partners or friends; questioning and exploring sexuality, gender identity and expression; depression and anxiety; trauma; low self-esteem and feeling “not enough”; perfectionism; and the general stress of trying to manage work, relationships, and life in a pretty stressful world!

I also have an extensive background in fitness, wellness, and health-coaching. I therefore utilize a holistic
approach that encompasses mental and emotional health in addition to lifestyle changes that support overall wellbeing. I draw upon many different approaches to therapy so I can match the needs of each client and personalize how I work with them.

I completed my Doctor of Psychology at Saint Mary's University of MN, and am currently in a postdoctoral position with Northfield Dynamic Therapy. I have received extensive training in college student mental health, plus additional therapy training focused on student athletes, issues surroundin gender and sexuality, chronic pain/illness, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and other concerns.