I am a licensed clinical social worker, operating a private psychotherapy practice in Bismarck, North Dakota. I earned my Master of Social Work with a specialty in Children & Families from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 1999.
My employment experience has built upon itself throughout my early years and building into a solid understanding of traumatic experiences, attachment failures and the “lack of good things” in the neurobiological development and growth throughout the formative years and how the developmental experiences effect interactions, perceptions, reactions and relationships in a manner that is maladaptive.
My interest areas are in trauma (in utero, preverbal, childhood and then the accumulated traumas throughout the lifespan) and how trauma interferes with happiness and contentment. I use a n integrative approach, seeking to understand perceptions, experiences, and worldviews within the cultural context of the client. I am thorough, structured, and I will challenge you to reach your goals. I encourage and support the process of growth, observing and fostering the power clients harness when they discover new paths along their journey or in the rediscovery of the paths they've taken before, but through a different lens.
My previous work experience in 4 different agencies provided the opportunity to work with patients with mental health, addiction and traumatic experiences of all types and age ranges. This early experience prepared me for the deeper understanding and training I would receive through advanced clinical training in trauma and therapy modalities.