Sometimes we need a helper.

Life is complicated.

One of my favorite quotes that has brought me peace long since before I became a counselor is from Fred Rogers “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” 

A helper is someone who is able to walk with us on our journey, both in our pain and our joy. They may bring sparkle to our hopes, while inviting us to evolve into something bigger than even our creative minds can imagine. They remind us of our strengths, and support us in our vulnerabilities. This may be a therapist, coach, friend, lover, or your furry best friend.

From the heart of a therapist who is honored to be a helper–and very much humbled to have been helped by others–I welcome you warmly. 

 

Where do I even BEGIN?

Here you will find some helpful tips and FAQs about what our work together may look like. But if you want to skip ahead to the big topics, be my guest!

 
Infertility
Maternal Mental Health
emPOWER

COVID, Isolation and Beyond

I mention this topic before we get to any others because it’s overtaking the mental health field. 

The world is so heavy right now–and we’ve definitely been through hard times. Collective trauma has permeated our everyday life. It is okay if you are feeling overwhelmed; it’s normal to have big feels in response to big things. Take a breath, and let’s figure out the best way to support you now.

 

And now, let’s dig in.

What is therapeutic coaching?

There are so many options for mental health support these days! So many, in fact, that it can feel overwhelming simply figuring out what is the best fit for you.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my background in mental health has inspired my therapeutic coaching platform. Together, we work toward future goals while bringing an awareness that our story has inspired some pretty significant blueprints in our lives. 

People seek support for all different reasons, and every story matters. We all have a past, but it’s our present moment that calls us to attention right now. Perhaps you wish to heal, move on, let go or dream bigger; every story has the ability to create light on your path. Some mental health concerns may include anxiety, depression, trauma, fatigue, loss, grief, illness, abuse, relationship challenges and stress. 

In my personal practice, I welcome women and couples specifically walking through infertility, pregnancy and birth, postpartum and early parenting challenges, as well as personal empowerment and creative exploration. I am continually inspired by my clients’ courage, kindness, and willingness to live life well.

 

Are counseling and coaching the same thing?

It honestly depends on who the counselor or coach is, their perspective and what you plan to bring to the experience. With my foundations in mental health, specifically birth psychology and maternal mental health and wellness, a therapeutic approach is my baseline. I want to know how you came to be you, and what inspired or detoured your journey, as well as learn about your present experience, and where you wish to be in the future. 

But back to basics for a moment… counseling typically involves a diagnosis and a therapeutic plan with actionable goals created by a board-certified professional. Coaching creates a plan with actionable goals, with less emphasis on the disorder or illness. Both modalities support individuals simply wanting to live life well. With me, you have both! 🙂

With therapeutic coaching, you have options

Life is complicated. In a perfect world, we would all be able to slip away for a bit each week and seek the mental health support we desire. But life isn’t always perfect. It’s messy, and complicated, and never runs on schedule.

After feedback from my clients, and reflecting on my own life, I’ve created an opportunity to support your mental health and growth from the comfort of your own space, whether that be home, the office or a random space while life continues around you. Working in the birth field, I completely understand scheduling around numerous fertility appointments or prenatal exams, while also navigating life after the transfer, birth, and parenting as lives grow in all directions. We can’t always step away from life, and sometimes we need to vent at 3am (when most therapists don’t hold session hours!). So we will create a personalized plan that works best for you.

 

Does it really help?

I think so, but then again, I am a bit biased! The most important aspect of therapeutic counseling or coaching–and any mental health support–is the relationship between the client and therapist. 

We are relational beings. We live in a world of relationships, and the same is true in the helping dyad. If the relationship is built on trust and acceptance, therapy can give you the building blocks of strength, empowerment and hope to change what needs to be changed and rise above in ways that may have once only been a distant dream. Some ways you may notice positive results is by feeling more confident with your mental wellness and perspective, positive choices, better sleep, reduction in anxiety and depressive/intrusive thoughts, healthy decisions, greater abundance and clarity. It’s important to give the relationship time to grow, but it’s also important to advocate for the relationship that works best for you and your lifestyle.

 

I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.

- CARL JUNG

Other FAQS

Can I talk about things I have never felt safe to talk about?

Bring it all! This is YOUR time to explore anything that pops into your mind. You can talk about hopes, fears, spirituality, sex, secrets, stressors, embarrassing moments and more.

How long and often does this take?

Individual sessions are 45-60 minutes. As far as longevity of the relationship, it depends on your goals and desires. Some people stay for about 6 weeks, others continue for years. A general rule of thumb is to feel some progress or positive change within 6 weeks of establishing a therapeutic relationship; after that, it’s according to your hopes, goals and comfort.

Do we need to meet face-to-face?

We can meet any which way you can imagine. Typically, I meet people virtually, which means you and I can be anywhere and still be connected. It’s pretty cool! When we arrange appointments, you receive a link for a video session. This video is HIPPA-compliant (meaning it’s safe and confidential!). But if you’re more comfortable with a voice-only meeting, that’s okay, too.

Can I use my insurance?

This question typically comes up with mental health, and you should always inquire to see if you have coverage in some way. If you are a maternal mental health client residing in Missouri, USA, the answer is maybe. You will need to inquire with your particular insurance carrier to learn about your coverage.

Are you ready to live an empowered life inspired by your own story?

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