As an advanced practitioner of counseling, I continue to utilize and research a trauma-informed approach through the integration of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities. This integrated approach is shaped by my desire to address the holistic and individualized needs of my clients through awareness of the systems they live and operate in. My intrinsic motivators to my practice are to recognize the growth potential of every person and meet them with safety and careful consideration of their unique experiences and needs. I am extrinsically motivated by the ever-changing dynamics of the communities, institutions, and policies that impact our daily lives and make depth of connection increasingly challenged. In my practice I recognize the privilege of being trusted with my client’s vulnerability and seek to be a resource and point of connection for them as we collaborate towards our co-constructed goals.

Counseling Experience

My professional background has assisted me in constructing my integrated approach and philosophy through a variety of opportunities that exposed me to various specialty practice areas. At the undergraduate level, I studied literature, psychology, geography, and history which allowed me to explore the multifaceted nature of people, their experiences, and factors that contribute to their unique personalities. At the graduate level, I obtained my degree in clinical mental health counseling and completed a certificate in violence, loss, and trauma (VoLT). Coursework of this certificate program included the study of grief and death, various forms of abuse, self harm and suicidality, crisis interventions, and physiological considerations to trauma.

During my graduate education, I worked and completed my internship at the West Virginia Autism Training Center where I supported adults with autism. I was offered the unique experience of developing an independent study course that explored the intersection of trauma and autism from a clinical perspective which encouraged my interest in understanding the neurophysiological considerations of trauma and interventions that addressed trauma from this lens. Now, I work at New Horizons Therapy Services where I serve individuals and families across the lifespan with a variety of challenges. I work predominantly in trauma-informed care where I utilize my integrated ART, IFS, and Polyvagal Theory techniques and I provide community education and group therapy for adults and adolescents to cope with stress, explore identity, and manage anxiety.