SOS Counseling

I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health services. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas City in 1990. While in undergraduate school, I worked with rape victims through MOCSA (i.e., Metropolitan to Counter Sexual Assault) in the Kansas City area. This experience included answering the crisis line and visiting with victims in hospital and police station. In this capacity, I provided education on rape and typical reactions that they can expect to have as well as providing emotional support for them as they were interviewed by hospital staff or the police officer. My second practicum included working on an inpatient psychiatric floor. My responsibilities included assisting staff with patients during outings and answering the crisis line. My first job out of school was working as a case manager for an outpatient mental health center. The population that I worked with were individuals with persistent mental illness. My job was to assist them with living independently in the community.

Afterwards, I left this position to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 1997. Since then, I have worked in many different capacities which include inpatient, emergency services as a assessor as well as an outpatient therapist. In my many years of clinical practice, I have worked with a wide diversity of clientele which include domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship issues.

Some of my past successes include working as a therapist for children placed in foster care. In some cases, I worked toward preparing the children for reunification with parent. Moreover, I assisted in the healing process between the parent and their child. In addition, I have worked with couple through Catholic Charities in Missouri in assisting them through issues of infidelity. My main focus was to assist the couple in identifying dysfunctional communication styles and in assisting them in strengthening their communication skills. Currently, I have a private practice in the state of Missouri known as SOS Counseling. I am licensed in the state of Kansas as a LSCSW and in the state of Missouri as a LCSW.

As any professional, I am always looking to hone in on my skills. In the different settings that I have worked, I had noticed that many clients suffered from trauma issues.I have completed trauma-focused CBT, level 1 EMDR, and I am in my first year of Somatic Experiencing (S.E.). I have a passion to help those who suffer from trauma on a daily basis and to assist them in developing skills that will help make life easier for them.

I consider myself to be eclectic with an emphasis on CBT, Humanstic, and Rogerian counseling styles. I like each of the different counseling styles and feel that not one fits every situation or one person. I am warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. In my practice, I found that when people are treated with respect there is no telling what they are capable of doing. In addition, I have a belief that you are the authority on yourself. I have the tools that I can teach you that will help you be your best self; however, you are for the most part, guiding your own treatment. At times, I ask clarifying questions in order to prompt you in figuring out the best solution in your life.

It takes courage to ask for help and take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and empower you.

I look forward to working with you!