ABOUT ME

I am motivated by the belief that compassionate, empathetic support can profoundly impact a person’s life. Everyone, children and adults alike, deserves to feel seen, understood, and empowered to live a fulfilling and authentic life. It is incredibly rewarding to witness my clients’ resilience and growth as they navigate challenges, develop new skills, and gain confidence in who they are. My clients' progress inspires my commitment to continually advance my skills and knowledge in the field.

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I place a strong emphasis on building warm, collaborative therapeutic relationships. I adopt a flexible and creative approach to treatment, particularly when working with children and families. By incorporating therapeutic activities and experiential exercises into sessions, I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where clients can develop effective coping skills and explore their emotions and experiences openly and without judgment. I also believe that humor has an important place in therapy. Balancing meaningful therapeutic work with moments of playfulness can help clients feel comfortable, connected, and at ease.

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My approach to psychotherapy draws from cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family systems, and insight-oriented approaches. I tailor treatment to each individual and family, recognizing that there is no single approach that works for everyone. Taking the time to understand each client’s unique strengths, needs, circumstances, and relationships allows me to develop individualized interventions that support meaningful and lasting growth.

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I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 years of professional experience serving individuals and families in West Michigan. I completed my undergraduate education at Michigan State University and went on to earn both my master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology there, completing my doctoral training in 2015. I hold certificates in DBT Skills for Adolescents and Families and Parent Management Training (PMT, Kazdin Method).

Ultimately, I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel respected, understood, and accepted for who they are. I want clients to leave therapy not only with greater insight into themselves, but also with practical tools, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of their ability to navigate life’s challenges.