A BIT ABOUT ME AND WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST
The Beginning
I'm often asked why I wanted to be a counselor. The short answer is that I am fascinated by people's stories. In college, I started as an English Lit major, but my courses required too much reading--shocking, I know. I considered switching to Creative Writing and Art, but what I realized is that the reason I had been drawn to to literature, writing, and art is because of a love for story, authorship, and design. Psychology combines all three. We are all in a story with chapters behind us and ahead of us, and I believe that we all have the ability to author aspects of our lives, and with the help of our imaginations, we can dream up and design a vision of what is possible. So, as a junior, I switched my major to psychology, and the switch was one of the best decisions of my life. I still remember walking away from the registrar's office, feeling light.
The Middle
I have worked in the field of mental health for over 17 years through a variety of mental health settings and roles. After undergrad, I spent time working with people suffering from severe mental illness in a community mental health center. I then went on to earn my Master's in Counseling Psychology and pursued licensure. During that time and afterwards, I have provided in-home mental health services and have also supported adults transitioning out of inpatient mental health treatment back to independent housing.
In 2005, I began counseling college students at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, and in 2006, I added private practice to the mix. I have been fortunate to connect with and learn from some wonderful, talented colleagues, mentors, and clients along the way.
Now
After thirteen years at Northwestern, I ended my work there to focus solely on my private practice. I absolutely love what I do. I count it as an honor and privilege to be able to sit with my clients and talk about the deeper, more important things in life. I like looking at the big picture with my clients and helping them to see what is possible for their story.
In the Midst of it all
I married my best friend, and we've been together for over 20 years. We have two amazing daughters who keep us busy with volleyball, soccer, and all the driving around one does at this stage. I enjoy art, documentaries, travel, nature, camping, comedy, writing, eating snacks while watching tv, true crime, live music, and home design. I also like drawing, reading memoirs, and researching every random thing that pops into my mind. We have three cats because the farmer threw the third one in for free.