My Approach
My style as a therapist is collaborative and flexible, being both clinically-informed and experiential as I received a dual-degree in clinical mental health counseling and art therapy. I came into the helping field as an artist; mental health was never a topic of discussion when I was growing up and I learned to manage my emotions through painting. As a result, I aim to provide a space in which people can feel comfortable, safe, and vulnerable while we explore the issues that serve as barriers to a life they want to be living. While I am not exclusively an art therapist, I believe utilizing the creative process can be an effective means of communication. It can also serve as a safe outlet, coping mechanism, and has the power to aid in the improvement of self esteem, self-efficacy, and treatment outcomes. My therapeutic approach is one that aligns with modalities rooted in behavioral science; I am interested in understanding the function of certain behaviors in specific contexts in order to make the necessary changes needed to achieve wellness.
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Treatment Specialties
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Services Provided
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Education
M.A. Counseling: Art Therapy, Adler University
B.S. Photo Illustration, Kent State University -
Experience
I have primarily worked with adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient, residential, partial-hospitalization, as well as community-based programming. I have previously worked as a counselor and art therapist in a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities utilizing a person-centered approach. I have worked as the Co-Occurring Disorders Specialist (substance-use specialist) and Mental Health Clinician on two Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) and as a Team Lead/Therapist for a Community Support Team (CST). Most recently I worked on IP/RES/PHP levels of care as a psychotherapist and art therapist providing treatment for individuals with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders. My counseling approach is both experiential utilizing art as therapy and is strongly influenced by radical behaviorism. I draw from a variety of counseling approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Insurances
Blue Cross Blue Shield (excluding Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance and HMO plans)