Licensed Psychologist, Co-Lead DBT Program
Location: St. Paul, Tele-health and/or In Person
Pronouns: She/Her
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” This is a famous quote by the essayist, Anais Nin, and it beautifully defines how I visualize the therapeutic process of change, which can be difficult, painful and even frightening; but in the end, it can also be beautiful and freeing. “Blossoming” for each individual person may look very different, but helping each client define what this might look like for them and then working toward achievement of this goal is how I think of therapy.
I primarily provide therapeutic services to adults, using both individual and group therapy techniques. I also work with couples by request but prefer to work on relationship and family issues individually. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and honor all the unique experiences and characteristics that make people who they are and strive to help people cherish those qualities in themselves. I work with all mental health diagnoses and specialize in working with individuals who struggle with serious mental health disorders, including borderline personality disorder and trauma. My theoretical orientations are primarily client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapies. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, Anxiety and OCD, as well as Adlerian Therapy techniques. I also do psychological testing for ADHD, cognitive disorders, and personality concerns. I often add a focus on a person’s lifestyle and its impact on mental health and the importance of mindfulness in overall well-being. I often add psychoeducation to the mix because I believe that understanding a person’s situation at a deep level aids in the recovery process for many clients. I also believe that it is my responsibility to adapt my approach to the unique needs of each client, rather than force-fit the client to my approach; thus, I am a flexible and responsive therapist who listens and changes as therapy progresses.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Minnesota. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the Adler Graduate School. I also hold a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota.
On a personal note, I sing in a community choir, enjoy walking, swimming, traveling, growing roses and reading murder mysteries in my spare time. I have two stepdaughters and a dog, a cat and a very noisy bird who also loves to sing.