Inspiration for
'Walk With Me Counseling':
'Walk With Me Counseling':
It was one day, as I was talking with a client in a small, windowless room in the ER that it hit me - this wasn't a great setting in which to expect someone to open up and talk. Sitting in a small room with someone staring at you, and the pressure is on to ....SHARE. Well, I might not feel much like talking either. When I began thinking of times in the past when I've been able to really open up and talk... it dawned on me - We needed to get outside and go for a stroll!
Now outdoor sessions certainly aren't everyone's cup of tea, so it is absolutely fine if you prefer to remain in the office or meet virtually. There also may be parts of the therapy process in which it's more suitable to remain in the office. But if you're interested in getting out of the office now and then, I'll provide guidance around this and we can decide together, whether or not we might take our sessions outside.
About me:
I've been working in the field of mental health for almost 30 years, much of which was in a hospital Emergency Room. All those years of working with people in crisis taught me that there is always more to a situation… emotion… person… than meets the eye.
It has also left me feeling quite comfortable and able to talk with clients about....
anything.
It’s also not hard for me to find humor and make space for the healing aspects of laughter. Clients have frequently expressed that this helps create a safe and relaxed space, and sometimes even makes working through their issues feel a bit more like....a curious adventure.
I tend towards a solutions based approach to therapy, but also utilize principles and techniques of several different theories, including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Client Centered, and Mindfulness. I don’t typically approach sessions in a regimented way (though I can if needed ;), instead tending toward an eclectic and flexible approach.
Just as every person is unique, I believe the approach to therapy should be as well.
It has also left me feeling quite comfortable and able to talk with clients about....
anything.
It’s also not hard for me to find humor and make space for the healing aspects of laughter. Clients have frequently expressed that this helps create a safe and relaxed space, and sometimes even makes working through their issues feel a bit more like....a curious adventure.
I tend towards a solutions based approach to therapy, but also utilize principles and techniques of several different theories, including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Client Centered, and Mindfulness. I don’t typically approach sessions in a regimented way (though I can if needed ;), instead tending toward an eclectic and flexible approach.
Just as every person is unique, I believe the approach to therapy should be as well.
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I'm trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or 'EMDR'. This is a form of therapy that can help people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. I often end up exploring this option with clients, as most of us have experienced some type of trauma, whether big or small, which can be the source of dysfunctional habits, reactive behaviors and ongoing struggles. https://www.emdria.org/page/what_is_emdr_therapy If you are interested in this, please let me know! |
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Education/licensure: I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1991 from St Olaf College and returned in 1994 to earn my Bachelor of Social Work degree. Completion of my Masters Degree in Social Work took place in the spring of 2000 at The University of Minnesota. I received my graduate level of licensure in 2000 and have been licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker by the MN Board of Social Work since 2006.
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I've also recently been exploring the use of tarot cards with several of my clients who are interested in this. I don't do tarot readings, but am open to pulling a card or two, to bring direction or ideas to a session. (The original idea of tarot, was actually along these lines...not fortune telling or reading the future!) Please let me know if you'd like to explore this. |
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Personal: I'm married, have 2 adult stepsons and a 22 year old son with special needs. I love the outdoors and try to be outside as often as possible during our short summers! Music plays a big role in our family. My stepsons are singer-songwriters and perform in several bands, and my son plays the guitar and has begun to write songs as well. My husband is also a singer, songwriter, and plays guitar and bass. It never would have occurred to me that I might be in a band someday, but sure enough, he and I are in a band together! We both sing, he plays lead guitar, I mess around on the keyboard and recently began making some noise on the violin. ;) |
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