About Me & EMDR

I attended Montana State University where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Cello Performance. Thereafter, I received a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of S. California where I graduated with Honors.

As a Peer Advocate Volunteer at The Voice Center in Bozeman, MT, I provided information, crisis intervention and support services to those affected by sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking. I answered the crisis line, met with and accompanied clients to help with reporting, accessing medical, legal and/or other services, and talked with friends and family members of victims about how to best support their loved one.

At the ALCOHOL & DRUG SERVICES OF GALLATIN COUNTY in Bozeman, MT, I conducted Chemical Dependency Evaluations and made diagnoses and level of care recommendations based on criteria in the DSM-5 and ASAM. I provided case management/wraparound services to help meet needs and provided resources to families. I worked with Youth Probation Services and schools, addressed employment and financial needs, conducted individual and family counseling sessions, facilitated Level II.I Intensive Adolescent Outpatient and Level I.0 Adolescent Outpatient groups, provided back up for the Level II.I Intensive Adult Outpatient and Level I.0 Outpatient groups (MRT, Continuing Care, Intensive Relapse Prevention, and Seeking Safety), performed hospital screenings and coordinated with Case Management/Utilization Review to provide chemical dependency treatment/support, provided referrals for inpatient treatment. I also provided case management/wraparound services for co-occurring clients (including resources, scheduling appointments, housing, employment, financial resources within the community), helped facilitate Level II.I Intensive Outpatient treatment groups and Level I.0 Outpatient treatment groups (MRT, Continuing Care, Intensive Relapse Prevention, and Seeking Safety), and under Supervision as an Intern, conducted Chemical Dependency Evaluations and helped determine a diagnosis and level of care recommendations based on criteria from the DSM-5 and the ASAM. I also performed hospital screenings and coordinated with Case Management to provide referrals for chemical dependency treatment.

At the nCenter, I then provided counseling services to help support neurofeedback treatment. The majority of my clients were on the spectrum or had been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder. I provided both individual and family sessions.

At Intermountain Children’s Deaconess, I worked with children, adolescents and adults on issues ranging from depression and anxiety to eating disorders, family issues, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, child abuse and grief and loss. I also taught the Possession of Dangerous Drugs (“PODD”) classes for Lewis and Clark County and other psychoeducational groups.

As a co-occurring therapist at Carroll College Wellness Center, I provided confidential personal and crisis counseling for students to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. Individual counseling sessions addressed issues such as stress/anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, academic concerns, sleep issues, alcohol and other drug use and suicide.

I then opened a private practice treating primarily adults. In my practice I provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (“CBT”), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (“DBT”), attachment and ego state interventions, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (“ACT”), and EMDR therapies. I also provide group therapy for substance abuse (Level 1.0 and 2.1), parenting, grief and loss, including for those who have been affected by suicide.

Simultaneously, I am an Adjunct Psychology Professor at Carroll College where I teach Developmental Psychology and General Psychology courses. I have also taught Emotional Intelligence courses. I am currently also pursuing Diplomate Status. The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) is the highest level of credentialing available through the National Association of Social Workers; NASW is the largest professional social work organization in the world.

I have a great passion for and extensive training in EMDR. I have witnessed extraordinary success in and resolution of extremely complex trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (“EMDR”) is a powerful tool for resolving simple and complex trauma (PTSD). https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

Human beings of all ages have a profound capacity for healing, are extremely resilient and the combination of motivation and desire for healing along with the neuroplasticity of the brain produces profoundly positive changes in people’s lives. There is very little that is more empowering than developing a deep understanding of who you are, your feelings and reactions, building an increasing capacity for effective communication and assertiveness, healthy boundaries that ensure personal and emotional safety, which results in higher levels of self-esteem, capacity for emotional regulation and self-acceptance. These are the building blocks of healthy relationships and happiness. The absence of these capacities similarly result in dissatisfaction, frustration, unhappiness, and troubled relationships.