Life is full of trials and tribulations that influence our pain and suffering. When struggling with an eating disorder, you might have difficulty seeing the necessity of getting help. You might minimize or deny the impact of your intrusive thoughts and harmful behaviors on the quality of your life. You may even think your eating disorder is a choice that you can stop at anytime or that you’re not sick enough to get help. Beliefs like these usually stem from self judgement, shame, fear, and lack of self worth, which can prevent you from getting the help that you truly deserve.
But let’s take a moment to reflect — if you were diagnosed with cancer today, would you wait to seek help? My hope is your answer would be no. Just like cancer, an eating disorder is a disease. It often goes unrecognized or even praised because people are generally unaware about what it is and the harm it does. We must acknowledge the importance of not only treating physical health, but mental health too.
Each eating disorder is as unique as the person who is struggling with it. Therefore, my therapeutic approach is tailored to meet your specific needs and situation. Throughout this journey, you and I will work on addressing your needs, and building awareness and insight into healing your relationship with food, yourself and others.
To anyone who is struggling: You are worthy of this journey and recovery is possible.
My Approach
I believe recovery is a consistent, ongoing process involving showing up for yourself. I value a client-centered, eclectic, non-judgmental approach in assisting you in healing wholeheartedly. It is important for my clients to feel safe, seen, understood and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. I place emphasis on exploring authenticity through elements of self-compassion, self-love, and trust.
My Journey and Education
I am a Midwest native, born and raised in Wisconsin. I hold a Master’s Degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from Lindenwood University and Bachelor’s in Psychology and Health Education, from Southern Illinois University. I have worked in a variety of eating disorder treatment settings for the past 8 years, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care.
I enjoy working with both adults and adolescents in treating eating disorders, body image, trauma and a variety of other mental health struggles, including perfectionism, identity and self esteem, self harm, anxiety, gender identity, depression, relationships, addictions and chemical dependence, and OCD.
Online Therapy
Your time is valuable and having to travel to a therapist’s office can sometimes be a barrier to getting the support you want and deserve. Studies have shown that video therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy. I use HIPAA-compliant video software that allows you to participate in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Sessions function the same way as in-person therapy without the added time and cost of travel.
