My approach to therapy
I believe in liberation. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping clients liberate themselves from the constraints of their own minds, the traumas of the past, and the prejudice of the world around them. When people are free, they can live their lives with a greater sense of vitality and are more aware of who they are. I am passionate about helping people to embrace the humanity of their pain and suffering so they can live full and meaning-filled lives.
I also believe in science. Sadly, this seems to be a radical statement these days, but I believe it is important to step away from what we think should be and look at what is objectively true. I believe in using proven methods and validated assessment tools to help clients grow and prosper. For myself and many of my clients, thinking like a scientist is a powerful way to liberate from the constraints of what we think “should” be.
I think this is true for most therapists, but I also have a deep curiosity for people and love building understanding into their lives. I believe in reaching far beyond diagnosis and symptoms to understand the whole person, including sources of joy and strength. As a self-identified “nerd,” I value the quirky things in life that bring us joy, regardless of others’ opinions. I also start with the assumption that my clients are resilient people and help them to discover internal resources to further their healing and growth.
Sex therapy
Services I provide
Autism Spectrum (ASD)
Couples therapy
Religion & Spirituality
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supervision & Consultation
What you can expect from me
As a provider of mental health services, I am dedicated to providing good customer service. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and part of my responsibility to you is to be responsive to your needs, both in sessions and in between sessions. answer phone calls and emails within 1 business day. In sessions, you will find that I am dedicated to deeply understanding you, your needs, and your worldview. I collaborate WITH clients to improve their lives. While I have a great deal of expertise into mental health and human sexuality, YOU are the expert in your own life and experience. I do not believe it is possible for me to know better than you what your life should be.
For individual therapy, we will meet to discuss your specific challenges and come up with a plan for how therapy can be helpful uniquely suited to your needs. For couple's therapy, I use the Gottman method, an evidence based approach that is not typically recognized by insurance companies. I conduct a battery of assessments for couples to complete in the beginning of our work. I also conduct couple's therapy sessions in 2-hour blocks that are more frequent in the beginning and sustained by more periodic sessions to maintain a couple’s progress. Research has shown that this “front-loading” approach is far more effective than standard weekly 1-hour treatments at ensuring that couples don’t fall back on old dysfunctional patterns over time.
My training & experience
Degrees
PhD, MEd: Widener University Center for Human Sexuality Studies - Philadelphia
MSW: Washburn University School of Social Work - Topeka, KS
Licenses & Certifications
LICSW - Minnesota #22323 (click HERE to verify)
LCSW - Wisconsin License #10243-123
LCSW - Oregon #L15495.
Certified Sex Therapist
See my profiles on: American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) Kink Aware Professionals, Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM), Iridescent Care Collaborative, Psychology Today, Therapy Den, Monarch, Facebook, LinkedIn
Work Experience
I have always pursued a career in mental health, providing direct care for adults with developmental disabilities and volunteering for the national suicide hotline while in college. My first job as a therapist was as a home-based family therapist with an agency in Kansas City, KS that specialized in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is here that I developed a unique insight into the intersection of human sexuality and ASD. While here, I also worked with couples and gained certification in sex therapy. I then moved to Minnesota and practiced in a mental health clinic serving individuals and couples. For a time, I also co-facilitated in an intensive outpatient program grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Kimberly Sersland Brady. I also taught a course in the graduate social work program at the University of Minnesota.
