I began counseling at Stronghold in May of 1995. I received my undergraduate degree in education from Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA. I gained valuable insight into people through 13 years of educating children and young adults at various age levels.

In 1992 I went to school for graduate studies and worked as a therapist at Turning Point and McKennan Hospital, working mainly with teenagers, adults, and families. I received my master’s in counseling and completed my doctorate in counseling from USD, December 1996. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health, National Certified Counselor, and Chemical Dependency Counselor-Level III.

I am trained in Cognitive psychology which is a structured short-term effective treatment approach applied to a broad range of psychological disorders. I focus on individuals, couples and families dealing with abuse issues, addictions, alcohol and chemical dependency, divorce, pre-marital counseling, depression and relationship difficulties. I am available for community outreach services, seminars and public information and education.

The area of counseling specialization I have developed for the Sioux Falls region is a theoretical and graceful approach for addressing sexual addiction. Sexual addiction involves a tremendous amount of guilt and shame and therefore becomes difficult to step forward and acknowledge the pain involved with sexual struggles and suffering.

I believe in meeting the client where they are in life and walking with them through their journey to provide support, grace, and hope for change. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Sioux Falls, 2010. From there I continued my education at USD and earned my Masters’ in Counseling in 2013. I had the great opportunity to complete my internship at Stronghold Counseling Services, Inc. After 4 years of counseling and administration at Southeastern Directions for Life and 4.5 years at Stronghold Counseling, I am excited to be opening The Counseling Café.

Through my years of counseling, I worked with children, teenagers, adults, couples, groups, and families. I am experienced in Cognitive psychology, which is a structured, effective treatment approach. Cognitive psychology is effective in a wide range of psychological disorders. I have experience with abuse issues, addictions, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and relationship difficulties in both children and adults. I also have experience in adolescent sexual issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health, Licensed Addictions Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Qualified Mental Health Professional.

I am also available for community outreach services, seminars and public information and education. I would love to have an opportunity to meet your counseling needs wherever you are in your journey in life. Within mental health and addiction there is generally a high level of shame and guilt which makes it difficult to acknowledge or accept help. Through counseling you will be provided a grace-based approach and an opportunity for change and support.