Hello!
I am the owner of Inner Alchemy Counseling and a dedicated therapist. I am so glad you are here and excited to begin a journey with you.
It is my belief and experience that you will get more out of your life if you are willing to change.
Change is spurred by a feeling that something just isn't quite right, that something could be better, that there's an issue you want to resolve.
Therapy is an important step in discovering the world around you and finding your place in it.
My journey in this field began with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a minor in Psychology from Thiel College, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Germanna Community College. I later earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am currently a doctoral candidate at Capella University for Counselor Education and Supervision.
Known for my transparency, empathy, and a healthy dose of humor, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and supported. I also enjoy sharing my insights as a contributing author on sex and relationship issues for various online and print publications.
In my pursuit of excellence, I became a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and obtained certification in Suicidology. Over time, my clinical focus has naturally evolved towards specializing in personality disorders and becoming a certified sex and relationship therapist.
Attachment theory is centered on the idea that our early relationships, particularly with our primary caregivers, significantly shape how we relate to others throughout our lives. By exploring and understanding these early attachment experiences, we can gain insight into current patterns in relationships, emotions, and behaviors. I believe that healing starts with connection—both with oneself and with others.
Attachment-based therapy allows us to explore the foundational aspects of these connections, helping to identify areas where past wounds may be influencing present difficulties. Together, we can work to create new patterns of relating that foster stronger, healthier connections, both within yourself and with those around you.
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Using these techniques, my goal is to help you feel more secure, understood, and empowered as we navigate the complexities of your emotional world. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or past trauma, attachment-based therapy provides a compassionate framework that can lead to deep and lasting change.
IFS is a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach that views the mind as naturally made up of multiple parts, each with its own perspective and purpose. These parts often represent different feelings, beliefs, or memories, and they interact with each other in ways that can sometimes lead to internal conflict.
The beauty of IFS is that it recognizes we all have a core Self—a wise, calm, and compassionate inner leader.
Through IFS, we work to connect with this Self, which can help us understand and heal the different parts of ourselves that may be in pain, feeling stuck, or struggling. By exploring these parts, we can uncover their true intentions and roles, which are often protective in nature, even if they sometimes cause distress.
The goal of IFS is to foster internal harmony by helping these parts feel understood, appreciated, and relieved of extreme roles, allowing them to take on healthier, more balanced positions within your internal system.
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I use IFS because it empowers you to engage with your inner world in a transformative way, leading to greater self-compassion, clarity, and inner peace. It’s a gentle yet powerful method that respects your entire being and facilitates deep, lasting change. I’m honored to support you as you explore and heal the many parts of your inner self.
Integrative therapy means that I draw from various therapeutic models—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)—to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Each of these techniques offers different tools and perspectives that can be beneficial depending on your challenges.
For instance:
CBT helps us identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to feelings of anxiety or depression.
DBT provides skills to manage emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with distress.
PCT focuses on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and experiences with empathy and unconditional positive regard. By integrating these approaches, we can be flexible and responsive to what works best for you at any given time. This allows us to address the specific areas of your life where you want to see change while respecting your individuality and the pace at which you're comfortable progressing.
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I believe that therapy should not be one-size-fits-all. An integrative approach allows us to create a personalized path that aligns with your goals and values. This collaborative process is designed to empower you, helping you develop the skills and insights needed to create meaningful and lasting change in your life.
The first step in therapy is talking. Let's find a time where we can meet and talk about what's on your mind.