My Background
My journey to becoming a therapist was born from a love of people and my desire to help others. During my college years, my personal experiences with a therapist taught me first-hand how prioritizing mental health could impact every area of life, from relationships to my spiritual journey to physical health. Working through trauma and challenging family relationships affected me so profoundly that I knew that I wanted to pass on the same healing to others. The safe, nurturing, and non-judgemental space my therapist created for me is the same space that I now strive to provide for my clients. My goal to create hope for my clients as they go through the same ups and downs of the healing process that I have been through.
My clinical experience includes working with children and teens with developmental and mood disorders at Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School in Roswell, GA. Additionally, I have worked in a private practice setting, the Hope Counseling Center, associated with Richmont Graduate University, where I had the privilege of treating couples and women with trauma. These experiences have solidified my belief that we heal in relationships and that everyone’s story makes sense in its context. Creating new, healthy experiences and learning how to create safety with ourselves and others leads to freedom to be who God made you to be.
My Education and Approach
I am a graduate of Richmont Graduate University with a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a member of the Association of American Marriage and Family Therapists as well as the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, I hold certification for Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapy and am a certified Prepare Enrich facilitator for premarital counseling. I have also received specialized training in trauma treatment and am a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). My counseling approach is attachment-focused and systemic, which means I focus on current and past relationships and how they impact our functioning in the here-and-now. I use a collaborative and holistic approach with all of my clients to ensure that we work together towards their needs and goals. I am under the clinical supervision of Dr. Vanessa Snyder, LMFT, LPC, and Dr. Devon Mills, LPC, and under the direction of Christie Poole, LMFT.
The Role of Faith in My Practice
My faith in Jesus shapes every aspect of my life, but most deeply, how I view myself and others. Humility, compassion, and grace that I have received from God are the core tenants of how I navigate the world. With that lens, I enjoy working with people who have faith and backgrounds different than mine. I do not believe it is my role as a therapist to impose my own beliefs on a client, but rather to help them shape their beliefs in a way that facilitates growth. We are all on a journey of faith, and I am happy to meet you wherever you are.
Who I Help
I have a strong desire to work with children (6+), adolescents, and adults working through anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 60% of men and 50% of women in our country have experienced at least 1 trauma in their lifetimes. For women, the likelihood of experiencing childhood abuse and sexual trauma is greater. These realities are why I have a passion for working with trauma, especially women who have experienced sexual trauma. Is a commitment to my clients, I continue to research and train in proven, evidence-based methods of treatment. Currently, my pursuits include specializations in couples therapies and trauma recovery.
If you feel I may be a good fit for you and are ready to take the next step, call me at 678-631-7639.