Bio

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

I remember vividly where I was sitting when I read this Bible verse, as I was struggling intensely with panic attacks, depression, and anxiety at the time - all of which were completely new experiences for me. How could this be? I was on Staff with a JMU campus ministry at the time (Young Life), and I had been a devout follower of Jesus for my entire life. I did not understand how I could be struggling with my mental health this much, since I still knew and cling to the truth that Jesus enough. I felt stuck, confused, and ashamed. When I read this piece of scripture, it was as if God was giving me vision for this difficult season in my life, knowing that I would not be going through this struggle in vain. Further, I was going to be fighting these battles alongside a God who deeply understood my pain and who would be there to comfort me. The Lord led me to pursue a professional counselor of my own, and the results were life-changing. It was not long after this painful season that I felt the Lord calling me to become a counselor, and walk with others in their own struggles and pain, as my counselor had done for me.

I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from James Madison University (I am a proud double-duke!), as well as an Educational Specialist Degree from JMU (completing a research paper focused on designing and facilitating a counseling group for teens with disabilities). I am passionate about and have a clinical background working with college students and individuals with disabilities, however I am open and eager to work with people of all ages and all backgrounds. I have particular interest in working with clients with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, as well as a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, and interpersonal / relational issues. I am also passionate about incorporating nature-based interventions into the therapeutic experience when possible, including “Walk & Talk” therapy and outdoor sessions when appropriate.

I primarily work from a person-centered, humanistic theoretical approach. Therefore, my main objective in my work with clients is to create an open, non-judgemental space in which clients can share and process freely. I believe the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is vital to healing and growth. Thus, I work to ensure that my clients feel seen and understood in sessions and that the counseling environment is a safe space.