Taproot Counseling

My Philosophy I believe that all of us are capable of finding meaning and connection in our lives. I believe that we all struggle with different issues at different times in our lives and may need guidance to help see or find a better path. I believe that my clients are the experts of their lives, and together, we find solutions that fit their needs. I believe that psychotherapy is a strong and unique relationship-based process that had the potential to lead to tremendous growth and change. I am honored to hold space for clients in their darkest moments and I believe that it is within these dark moments, that our greatest growth occurs. It is a true privilege to work with clients as we navigate darkness. Background and Training I bring over two decades of experience in psychotherapy to the Radford area. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I hold a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1996) and a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado (2004). I have over twenty years of clinical experience in a variety of settings, including universities, community mental health centers, K-12 schools, crisis settings, private practice settings, the State Public Defender’s Office, domestic violence and trauma centers, an integrated behavioral health clinic, and a dual diagnosis program. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as a professor of Counselor Education at Radford University. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-Based, Play and Dialectical Behavioral therapies. I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). In addition, I am EMDRIA trained in EMDR. EMDR is a powerful, somatic, dynamic psychotherapy used to treatment PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. I currently provide individual counseling services to adults, adolescents, and children. I am an insight oriented, person-centered therapist trained in a variety of modalities designed to bring relief to clients. My specialties are trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues.