What drew you to become listed on buildinghopegrand.com and starting a part-time practice in Winter Park?

As a fellow mountain town resident, I understand the challenges of finding mental health resources and practitioners. Additionally, the high cost of living can create a financial barrier for many locals. I appreciate that Building Hope Grand is committed to helping increase the community's access to mental health, and I'm excited to be part of it.

What inspired you to become a counselor? What other types of wellness or holistic lifestyle services or practices do you provide?

Well, like many, I spent a lot of time in therapy myself. It helped me through countless challenges, and supported me in building a healthier, more balanced life for myself. I became a yoga teacher in 2018, and in that process, it became clear to me that helping people was a passion of mine. I found a program through Naropa University that incorporated mindfulness & many of the practices I knew and loved, and off I went.

In addition to therapy, I teach yoga and meditation to my community through public classes and private coaching sessions. I offer Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy to qualifying clients as well, which helps many to work through treatment-resistant challenges.

What do you enjoy most about it?

What I enjoy most about therapy, yoga, meditation, and KAP is the ability to be part of someone's journey. My clients and students really show up for themselves and for the work. I really adore seeing them make such big strides, and the best part is when they, too, start to see the changes showing up in their lives. It's a really special thing to be able to facilitate and witness.

What do you wish people understood about counseling and mental health? What is a common misperception you'd like to clarify?

I wish more people knew that it's not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right therapist to work with is paramount! Something I strive for in my own practice is helping clients to do just that. I am not the right therapist for everyone, but I have many resources and connections. It's ok to not fit with me, or with a therapist in general, and we are often very happy to help you find the right person for you!

I also want folks to know that you still get to have boundaries. Just because you begin therapy, doesn't mean I have access to every little thing about your past. You get to decide when to share things, and in what amount of detail. I try to empower my clients to check in with themselves and make sure it feels right. Therapy is not a process that we want to rush, so slowing down and honoring your needs is always on the table.

Do you have any special trainings that makes your practice unique?

My training is in mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling (a mouthful, I know). Essentially, I have an integrative approach that focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit. I bring lots of various tools and practices into the work we do together, and always hope to build my clients' toolkits for daily life.

I also have training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelic integration, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, feminist therapy, perinatal counseling, and substance use.

What is your favorite moment of seeing how counseling can positively impact clients?

My favorite moment is when clients see their progress unfolding before them. Whether it is through the realization that they handled something in a different way than they had previously, or they begin to see that things aren't impacting them as they once did - witnessing clients become aware of their progress is incredibly powerful. It creates a positive feedback loop, and often creates motivation for continuing onward in their healing journey.