Clinical Counselor and Outreach & Consultation Coordinator

Education

B.A.:   English, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio

M.A.:  Counseling, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio

Professional Interest

I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor by the Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Board.  Clinically, I have worked with a diverse population, including individuals of various ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  My work experience has included, but is not limited to, working with survivors of interpersonal violence (sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, stalking), children and families with severe and persistent mental health diagnoses, and college age students. I enjoy facilitating support, psycho-education, and process groups for adolescents and adults. Overall, I enjoy providing culturally sensitive community outreach and  both individual and group counseling services.

I have received training in Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness.  My professional interests include social justice and advocacy, systematic oppression and counseling with vulnerable populations, trauma-based disorders, cultural competence, and outreach and prevention.

Approach to Therapy

My approach to counseling is integrative; drawing from cognitive behavioral, systems, psychodynamic, person-centered, and humanistic theories.  I believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and work to create an atmosphere of support and collaboration for clients.  A supportive and collaborative atmosphere allows clients an opportunity to tell their story, find their voice, and feel empowered. I also believe that it is important to help clients explore the connection between their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and develop effective ways of addressing these issues

Approach to Wellness:

Wellness is holistic and should focus on the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. I believe that a person is, as a whole, impacted by both internal and external factors, and this is an important component when discussing total wellness. Finding ways to stay grounded and practice good self-care are essential in optimal living.  I am active in my local faith community, service-oriented (often volunteering within the Cincinnati community), and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I maintain balance through writing, reading, running, prayer, and meditation.

Other Activities

Professionally, I participate at local, state, and national levels to advocate for the advancement of the counseling profession, needs of clients, and socially relevant areas. I am actively involved with the mentoring of future counselors through my relationships with local mental health counseling programs.  I am also a member of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach (AUCCCO) and serve as the Outreach and Consultation Coordinator for the Counseling Center.