I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Iowa. I have worked supporting families in the Child Welfare System for 25 years and then the last 11 + have been providing Clinical Therapy to teens and adults in a Community Mental Health setting. I currently teach Mental Health First Aid at a local level and also have the privilege of being a National Trainer providing training across the nation for others to teach in their communities. My current role as a therapist with TotalLife.come enables me to focus my passion to support older adults as well and this is very important to me as often this is a population that does not get the support needed as many changes and transitions are occurring.
About SPECIALTIES
I am currently a licensed Social Worker (LISW) in the state of Iowa. I have been working as a behavioral health therapist for the past 11 years. Prior experience includes 25 years working in Child and Family Welfare. In addition to my role seeing people for therapy, I have served in a clinical supervisor/administrator role in a community mental health center for several years. I also train Mental Health First Aid on a local level and Youth Mental Health First Aid on a national level.
As a therapist/social worker, I believe that we all function within multiple systems such as family, work, community etc. My approach strives to achieve mental wellness through growth in strengths and confidence in new skills to manage multiple stressors impacting our lives. I often use strategies such as Solution Focused, Strength Based, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and EMDR.
My husband and I were foster parents and adopted 3 children who are now adults. I feel these experiences have been valuable for others needing support with foster and adoption issues and concerns.
Patients describe me as positive, calm, solution focused, and direct. Therapy is hard work. I like to make it a safe, calm, positive environment to help support change.