I have been deeply interested in people for as long as I can remember. I am drawn to their stories. I have an innate sense of wanting to know the core of people—their real and raw selves. This fascination with the human side of humanity led me to a career in mental health counseling and coaching. I have been licensed since 2006 and continue to learn and grow in this field every day.
My formal education includes degrees from Macalester College, University of Minnesota School of Law and South Dakota State University. Beyond the degrees, I am a lifelong learner who is constantly educating myself on the latest advancements and techniques in my field and beyond. I am an avid student of life. The more I know and understand and experience, the better I can help others.
My passion for helping people has provided me with the opportunity to become skilled in the following methodologies and techniques:
(ART) Accelerated Resolution Therapy
ART utilizes memory reconsolidation through eye movement to create systemic relief and sustained positive change.
South Dakota’s Longest Certified Brainspotting Therapist
Brainspotting involves helping people process the past in order to affect the present using visual fields to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT provides clients with new skills designed to manage and regulate emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and thoughts through a "solutions-oriented" form of talk therapy, based on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
EFT is a treatment method that offers healing from physical and emotional pain and disease. Without the use of needles, this form of acupuncture uses the fingertips to stimulate energy points on the body
Energy Psychology
EP focuses on the relationship between bioenergy systems, neuro and electro physiological processes and mental functions involving thoughts, emotions, sensations and behavior.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy integrates the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of each of us by helping us become aware of our bodies and the sensations we experience through them.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology focuses on the character strengths and behaviors that allow people to build a life of meaning and purpose—to move beyond surviving to a life filled with meaning.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
IFS is an approach that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system. IFS therapy is used to treat individuals, couples and families.
Gottman Therapy
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions.
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
IRT helps couples work out their misunderstandings and rediscover better ways to bond and communicate, often by learning how early childhood relationship experiences affect how we communicate, behave and respond in adult relationships.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves learning to live in the moment and reawaken oneself to the present, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.
Meditation
Meditation comes in many forms – promoting awareness, understanding, emotional healing, release and connection.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on breath, gestures, sound and physical posture to boost physical and mental well-being.