Sometimes just telling your story makes all the difference …

A Modern Approach

Therapy takes courage. Change is hard.

“Couch-side Manner” I believe that openness, practicality, and a sense of humor are cornerstones of successful therapy. Even if you’re not new to therapy, anticipating a first session can be uncomfortable. I want to make it as clear and effortless as possible, so you can focus on what matters.

My master’s degree is specialized in military social work, an educational track where I was able explore evidence-based methods for helping those who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours. As the first program of its kind to be offered by a civilian research university.

I enjoy working with our active-duty service members, National Guard, reserve personnel, veterans, and their families, as I understand the military culture and specific challenges this population encounters as they reside in or work towards transition with their civilian counterparts.

I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and their families in forensic, outpatient, and inpatient/hospital settings.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Social Work through Minnesota State University, Mankato. and a Master Social Work through the University of Southern California.

My goal in treatment is to provide you with the space, time, and comfort, to begin this conversation with yourself so you may enact lasting change in your life.

Together, we will work to identify, confront, and better understand those parts of you that are both conscious and unconscious.

Ultimately this is your journey. It is important that you gain the ability to listen to yourself. The ability to explore and accept the conflict and sources of tension you encounter as you navigate between the internal experience and the outside world.

Treatment Modalities

EMDR

Cognitive

Culturally Sensitive

Emotionally Focused

Interpersonal

Integrative

DBT

Person-Centered

Strength-Based

Trauma Focused

Family Systems

  • The first step is reaching out. Call or fill out the online contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I will reach out to provide a free consultation to determine treatment needs, scheduling, and answer any questions you may have. You will be able to complete, sign and submit all documents online.

    Documentation will help you understand insurance benefits upfront. I will verify and confirm cost prior to the initial appointment. It is important to me that providing you care does not increase financial stress.

    If you have further questions, feel free to reach out via phone or email. See contact page for information.

  • At your first appointment we will begin with what you’ve come to address. You’ll have a chance to explain any present and past concerns. I will work to help you name each issue as you begin to articulate your unique narrative.

    I will ask questions to better understand your story. Are your current concerns isolated or reflective of events in your life right now? Is there a pattern of recurrent issues, distressing emotions, self-destructive behavior and strained relationships? This assessment will allow for diagnostic indications.

    You will also be offered the opportunity to ask questions. You can expect clear, straight-forward answers.

  • The first session is the beginning of the therapeutic alliance that is central to the RDC relational approach. Together we will set initial treatment goals, focusing on what can be accomplished in the short- and long-term.

    Forging a strong working relationship takes longer than a single session, but the hope is that, by the session’s end, we will feel the foundation of a therapeutic alliance. Feeling comfortable is essential for this alliance, if you do not feel comfortable I will help you find someone you are comfortable meeting with.

    Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes depending on your needs, preferences, and on what duration your insurance will cover.

  • Individual Counseling

    Individual therapy addresses issues that are hard to face alone. Working with a skilled provider is clinically proven to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and difficult life transitions.

    Change or adjustments can impact your life in a significant way. We all experience transitions throughout our lives — big and small, planned, and unplanned.

    We all experience life transitions, and some are harder than others. If you find yourself experiencing a high degree of distress during a life transition that is significantly impacting your mood, ability to work, social interactions, or any other important life area you may benefit from a consultation with a therapist.

  • Family Therapy

    There are many issues that can arise in a family setting impacting family dynamic and cause emotional issues for different members of the family.

    RDC can assist families learning how to foster connections, develop meaningful relationships and help set healthy boundaries.

    RDC will work to help families like yours establish positive communication skills and stronger relationships.

  • Couples Counseling

    Whether you’ve been together three months or thirty years, you’re thinking about marriage or divorce, or if you want to improve your intimacy or recover from infidelity, addiction, or disconnection, RDC is here to help you and your partner work together.

  • Agricultural and Rural Stress

    Farmers and ranchers in the U.S. have demanding jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events, and isolation. Rural agricultural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which can make it difficult for farm and ranch families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or another mental health crisis. Addressing mental health challenges is critical so that farmers can successfully navigate other stressors that are common in their day-to-day lives.

    RDC offers supportive services in person and via telehealth to assist in making services more accessible for rural communities.

  • Medical

    Numerous factors contribute to elevated stress among healthcare workers, including heavy workloads, long shifts, a high pace, lack of physical or psychological safety, chronicity of care, moral conflicts, and lack of social support. The resulting psychological distress can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, sleeping disorders, and other illnesses

    Work related stress can have a negative impact on health care providers' professionalism, quality of care delivery, efficiency, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is critical to identify and mitigate these work-related risk factors to protect the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers.

  • Service Members

    The most publicized mental health challenges facing veterans service members are PTSD and depression. Some research has suggested that approximately 14% to 16% of U.S. service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have PTSD or depression. Although these mental health concerns are highlighted, other issues like suicide, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse, and interpersonal violence can be equally harmful in this population.

    The effects of these issues can be wide-reaching and substantially impacts service members and their families. While combat and deployments are linked to increased risks for these mental health conditions, general military service can also lead to difficulties.

    Fewer than half of the U.S. service members and recent veterans who indicate a need for mental health services receive treatment. Military culture often impedes seeking help as it views it was weakness, many enlisted lack confidence in services provided on base treated fear repercussion and distrust confidentiality in receiving services on base.

  • Law Enforcement

    Similar to military culture, law enforcement culture values strength, self-reliance, controlled emotions, and competency in handling personal problems.

    These values can often discourage help-seeking behavior, some report a sense of having lost control by asking someone else to help fix the problem. If these values are held too rigidly, an officer can feel weak, embarrassed, and like a failure for seeking help from others.

    Studies detail that stigma and help-seeking attitudes were inversely related. In other words, a person facing a higher level of stigma for seeking help was less likely to have a help-seeking attitude. This generates concern for officers who unconditionally conform to the traditional values of law enforcement culture—they will be more likely to avoid seeking help, even when distressed, and potentially pay the price of detrimental health effects.

    RDC understands this stigma and is knowledgeable in providing services to all areas in law enforcement.

  • Fire/EMS

    The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) in partnership with the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) and the American Psychological Association (APA), has released a new directory of behavioral health professionals that are equipped and ready to help firefighters, EMS providers, dispatchers, and rescue workers.

    RDC is currently a registered provider with the NVFC. Please clink on the link for additional information about services, training and supports.

Contact RDC

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