My Background

When I was a young child growing up in Iowa, my parents were actively involved in our church and community, caring deeply for those around us. They served meals to the homeless, spent time with our youth, and provided transportation to church and the grocery store for single mothers and individuals with disabilities. I learned from them. The impression they left on me was how to love others as Jesus has loved me. Before beginning my career or starting a family, I traveled to many places across the country, serving others where they needed it most. Since then, my years as a wife and mother to a young family have taught me so much personally and professionally regarding the importance of faith, family, work, and relationships. It’s all these experiences I draw on when working with my clients. Life + professional training have taught me how to join with my clients, experiencing life’s joys and challenges together. Healing is a journey, and life has been my guide. 

My Education And Approach

My desire to help others took me to Wartburg College, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2010. Afterward, I advanced to Program Director at a community-based services agency that provided mental health support services to adults with chronic mental illness. In 2013 I graduated with my master’s degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa. Afterward, I became a Medical Social Worker for the largest home healthcare provider. Having had the privilege of traveling to other countries, I am very aware of and grateful for my freedoms, which led me to serve our nation’s Veterans. From 2017 – 2021 I worked for the Veterans Health Administration, serving Veterans and their spouses and caregivers. While at the VA, I counseled those living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders and physical disabilities, providing them with patient advocacy, group therapy, individual therapy, and couples’ therapy. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and in the treatment of addictions. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the most effective form of couples’ therapy backed by 20 years of research. There are simple, creative, and spiritually competent interventions that can be tailored to any individual’s or couple’s life stage and value system. As a therapist, I am grateful to come alongside people in their journey for change while applying interventions to support their recovery, restoration, and healing, leading to a better life. 

The Role Of Faith In My Practice

Being raised in a Christian household laid the foundation of my relationship with Christ. Still, it was not until college that I truly needed to depend on Him for my mental, physical, and spiritual strength and experienced the healing power of His grace. “The most important thing to remember is that relationships improve by Faith working through Love,” Galatians 5:6. Many other Scriptures also point to love as the cornerstone of Christianity. This verse reminds me that all relationships with self and others improve through faith and love. I hope that every person I encounter experiences a caring, empathetic, non-judgmental spirit from me, no matter their individual faith background. I welcome all clients from any faith or with no faith background at all. 

Who I Help

Who do I serve? Children, adolescents, individuals, families, and couples. When thoughts and feelings are overwhelming, I can help you restore calm. Does depression loom over you? Or does anxiety keep you on edge day after day? Let’s work on it together. Is there conflict in your relationship? Are you worried your needs are “too much” for your spouse and afraid they won’t ever really be there for you? Or are you feeling isolated and afraid you can’t live up to your partner’s expectations? Are you arguing with your spouse or kids about the same things again and again? Let’s start here and find your way out of the dizzying cycle and back to each other.

My approach is warm, respectful, and compassionate, creating nurturing, honest, and supportive relationships with my clients. We will work together to accomplish what you are afraid you can’t do alone. Call me at Family Renewal Counseling at (678) 631-7639 to schedule an initial consultation.