Teletherapy for Tupelo, MS

I am dedicated to assisting clients reach their individual goals, work through life transitions, and address the difficult challenges that often happen in our lives. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, I work with children aged 3 – 12, adolescents and adults. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have training in Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR). My past work experience has focused on the issues of grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and behavioral issues.

I have worked with children and families for over 40 years. My goal in life has been to make a difference in the life of a child, helping them to feel good about themselves and teaching them skills to cope with whatever circumstances have led to their emotional or behavioral problems. I also strongly believe in working closely with the parents of the children I work with, helping them to understand and accept what is happening with their child and providing them with support and skills to interact with their child in positive and productive ways. Making a commitment to therapy can result in children that are happy and successful.

Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." I feel one of the bravest things you can ever do is the work of understanding your own story. Because of that, I'm passionate about helping you find freedom and growth by rewriting the parts of your story that have left you with a negative self-image. I believe therapy is collaborative, and together, we can work to heal the scars preventing you from living your full potential. Our relationship is a safe space to explore deep pain, shame, and trauma. Understanding our stories deepens and reshapes our lives, and I can’t wait to hear yours!

I am a 2001 graduate from The University of Alabama holding a Masters of Social Work with 21 years of experience working within community mental health and private settings. I am licensed to practice clinical social work in multiple states to include Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, and Maryland.

Life is incredible, but it is not without challenges. I help distant couples, frustrated kids and parents, and families dealing with life's challenges.

Eccl. 3:1 "For everything there is a season..." . Each season of life has it's own unique challenges and issues, my goal is to help people navigate these challenges in a way that reflects their personal values. My Christian faith shapes my worldview however I recognize that not everyone shares that same faith experience. My desire is to empower you to have the skills you need to navigate life in all it's seasons.

We all want to be heard, accepted, loved, and understood regardless of the issues or life circumstances we are facing. Whether you struggle with anxiety/depression or you have a diagnosed disorder that causes impairment in your daily function, I can help with a renewed perspective, coping skills, and safe place to talk. My Mission statement is Restore, Renew, Refresh. Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith...". Counseling is a process, not a one and done deal. Healing and growth require a person to work 100% of the time emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Counseling is about establishing a safe and trusting relationship wherein the client feels comfortable speaking about and exploring the unknown or the scary, practicing communication skills, and realizing their own strengths and potential - assets which they can then utilize to overcome any of life’s challenges and stressors. Over the last few years, I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and families with vastly different backgrounds, needs, strengths, diagnoses, and goals to become their best selves. I believe anyone and everyone is capable of enhancing their wellness and living a life they find enjoyable and full of meaning.

LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY WHEN SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS. FEELINGS OF ANGER, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ARE NORMAL FEELINGS FOR ALL OF US. HOWEVER, IF THEY GET OUT OF CONTROL OR INTERFERE WITH OUR DAILY FUNCTIONING...THAT IS A RED FLAG THAT A PERSON NEEDS HELP. COUNSELING OFFERS COPING STRATEGIES TO HELP A PERSON GET THEIR LIFE BACK ON TRACK. I SPECIALIZE IN RATIONALE EMOTIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (REBT) AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND CAN OFFER YOU THE TOOLS TO START LIVING INSTEAD OF JUST EXISTING.

I believe that everything we need in order to heal is within our internal reach. Sometimes we can access this healing on our own, and sometimes we need supportive, non-biased accompaniment so we can go deeper into our healing processes. Consider me your attentive support person. I look forward to working with you.

I especially enjoy working with are those who have had no prior counseling experience or who have had negative experiences in counseling settings; I value the time it takes to build the foundation for a trusting and safe relationship.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.“—Arthur Ashe This is my approach to helping clients. We all face difficulties in life and there is no universal “normal.” I have personally been through difficult life experiences, such as abuse, divorce, and single parenthood, but also have experienced healing. My approach is to help clients discover what they have within themselves and how they can find their own “normal.” Sometimes it just takes an objective ear, raw honesty, and different perspective to discover the power within us.