I am particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ adults who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use challenges, identity concerns, or relationship conflict. If you enjoy thoughtful humor, art, cats, chats about neurodiversity, and someone who will understand your Tiktok/meme references- I might be the counselor for you.
My approach to therapy as a person-centered counselor emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and understanding the client as a complex person. I do utilize other approaches- such as mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and harm reduction- when appropriate. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Georgia in 2015 and worked in various mental health settings- including work related to substance use and recovery as well as with youth recovering from trauma and family conflict- before going on to complete a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University. In addition to completing human sexuality coursework as part of my graduate and undergraduate studies, I have facilitated presentations and workshops focused on educating allies on gender and sexuality and have published work on the topic of substance use concerns specific to transgender and gender non-conforming adults.
I believe that most of us are truly doing the best we can given our circumstances, and when we're feeling like our best is not enough it can be helpful to talk to a non-judgmental professional to figure out how to get to where we want to be. I am a therapist, and I am very much a human with my own challenges and life experiences that have led me into this field where I am able to help folks who have had similar experiences. I am also a firm believer that seeing a therapist who holds a similar identity as you do has the potential to elevate the meaningfulness and impact of a therapeutic relationship. Finally, as a cat parent, I believe cats are the best animal companions and if we meet virtually you just might get to meet mine sometime.