It is one of the most profound honors of my life the last 15 years to have people trust me with their deepest wounds and to share their journeys of courage. I have learned the importance of being lost, the language of rain and storms, and the deep echoing of the mourning howl. I believe that by allowing and accepting the mystery of loss with it's own timing, we have a chance to claim our path, our symbols. In order to become whole, the shadow and the light must be recognized, all must be explored.

We seek therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues,stress management and body image issues. Secondly, I also do clinical supervision for licensure hours and consult on private practice building.

As a therapist, my aim is to meet you where you are. I help by fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment, centered on exploring the unique issues and struggles which brought you to therapy. I will provide support and understanding within the therapeutic relationship for you to better understand yourself and the difficulties you are having. In this process you can learn to understand and manage the obstacles that have led to the struggles whether it be in your mood, behaviors, self-esteem, jobs, and/or relationships. I believe in the most difficult of times there is also an opportunity for change and growth.

I received my undergraduate degree from Carroll College, then attended graduate school at Arizona State University where I received my Masters of Social Work in 2011 and Doctor of Behavioral Health in 2014. I have worked extensively in the substance abuse field, but do not exclusively treat those with substance abuse issues. Along with addiction issues, my specialties include cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, self-esteem, and co-dependency.

I enjoy helping children overcome and heal from life's challenges. I believe that teamwork with parents is critical to kid's healing and healthy development. With over 18 years of professional experience, I specialize in treating children ages 2-13. I offer effective evidence based treatment for behavioral and attention disorders of early childhood, and childhood trauma. Children's stumbling blocks can be rooted in divorce, learning or developmental disabilities, loss, grief, tantrums or behavioral difficulties, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety and academic struggles. Counseling can help turn these struggles into valuable life experience and increased confidence.

Life can get hard, unpredictable and messy sometimes. Wandering around feeling lost and confused is part of having a human experience. It's OK not to have all the answers now and it's even OK if you've stumbled and fallen. Nobody does this "life thing" perfectly. Maybe, you are considering changing some part of yourself or your life. GREAT FOR YOU!!! It takes a lot of courage to get to that place. Asking for guidance or help is a huge step-and it's healthy! So....take a deep breath and get ready to know yourself in a deeper and more compassionate way. Let your desire to grow and change be larger than your fear!

My therapeutic approach emphasizes a focus on subconscious motives & creativity forms of expression. I am Depth Psychologist near completion of a PhD in Community, Liberation, and Ecopsychology. I do not believe in fixing people, but instead in helping them explore the reasons symptoms and behaviors are coming forward, then working toward building stronger coping skills and resiliency. Evidence for the efficacy of depth psychological approaches to psychotherapy is growing as studies show that depth psychology has a longer-lasting and more profound impact than cognitive or behavioral psychologies alone.

I am a LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, and have been in practice for over 30 years. I hold a MA degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago, and a MSW in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver. I have served as president of the National Association of Social Workers, Montana Chapter, and on several national NASW committees. After serving as director of the local mental health center and teaching part time in the Sociology Department at Carroll College, I started my own private practice: Adult and Child Counseling Service.

Welcome to you in your search for a therapist! Asking for help can be the hardest step of all. My style is respectful and non-judgmental. My goal is that you feel free to share your thoughts and feelings in this confidential setting. I chose New Growth and Healing as the name of my practice as it is my focus for both myself and others. I have the education, training, and personal experience to help you identify and realize your goals. I look forward to supporting you on your path of growth and healing.

Adolescence can be a trying time for young people and their families. Power struggles and communication problems create conflicts that seem unresolvable. Add complications from issues like trauma or anxiety and frustrations increase. By creating honest, respectful relationships I've been able to help teens pursue independence in appropriate and healthy ways. Often communication opens and hostility fades. This has been the main focus of my practice. Working with families I have seen the benefits of strengthening couple's relationships and helping parents become their healthiest selves. Whether through managing stress or treating mental illness healthy adults make healthy kids.

I believe that, despite trauma and adversity, everyone has the capacity to heal, build resiliency, and live the life they desire. As an experienced Licensed Addiction Counselor, I have helped clients to identify maladaptive thinking and behaviors, develop coping skills, and aid clients in expanding their self-efficacy. My empathetic and motivational approach supports clients in identifying their goals and finding ways to reach those goals while changing thinking and behavior choices. My goal is to help clients feel accepted in a safe environment free of judgment.

My ideal clients understand that there is something (perhaps known or unknown) in their life that is prohibiting them from feeling contentment or keeping them from functioning at a more efficient level. Whether it is consistent worry, a major life change, or relationship concerns; sometimes the ability to discuss this with someone can change everything. My hope is within a few times of meeting, you will have the tools necessary to take on these changes more confidently. To me, counseling prepares you to life more authentically and boldly -with added tools to better achieve positive results.

I believe individuals have it within themselves to effectuate positive change and that the therapeutic relationship can facilitate that process. By providing a person-centered approach to therapy, clients use their own wisdom and self-knowledge to move forward, improve their lives and achieve a greater level of self-actualization. Recognizing common threads and patterns woven into the tapestry of each unique reality, affords greater understanding, appreciation and empowerment.

I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals that are interested in seeking help in change and understanding, especially if it relates to trauma. I have 12 years experience in law enforcement which has allotted me first hand experience in numerous traumatic incidents, and personal insight. With that being said, I find it incredibly rewarding and meaningful to offer education, coping skills, and understanding on how to deal with some of life's tragedies, large or small. I believe it is very common for anyone to become 'stuck' in life and need a little therapeutic push in the right direction.

I have been working with children and families for the past 6 years utilizing a relational attachment model. I have experience working with family separation, foster care/adoption, trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem issues, school issues along a verity of emotional/behavioral concerns. I have worked with children from age 5-18 years. I offer a safe nonjudgmental environment that allows children and families to be able to address and explore their needs with support and guidance.

Welcome! Prior to affiliating with Mount Helena Counseling, I was fortunate to provide psychotherapeutic support to individuals and families in the Helena area for over 18 years. My experience has allowed me to provide counseling to persons spanning the age continuum from adolescents to aging adults. My areas of expertise include end-of-life, grief and loss, palliative care, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, gender questioning, and suicidal ideation. Our work together will include "talk therapy" (focusing on thoughts and feelings) as well as mindfulness-based activities (focusing on present "in the moment" experiences).

Life can be challenging, scary, and can leave you feeling alone and hopeless. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, crisis or just day to day life, I am happy to provide a non judgmental and compassionate space for you to tell your story. It is vital that you feel heard, understood and safe and I strive to provide this for my clients. I utilize a person centered approach that focuses on solution focused thinking, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, healthy coping, open and honest communication and engagement from all involved.

I work with children, teens, and adults to manage and assist with difficulties that interfere with daily functioning, which include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief and loss issues, divorce, and trauma while working together to reach goals in a safe and confidential environment.

I enjoy working with individuals (tweens, teens, and adults), and families. Depression, anxiety, autistic challenges, grief, life changes/crisis, developmental growth, attachment and relational issues, as well as a multitude of other concerns, are my areas of focus. I am open to all faith traditions. I am a licensed professional counselor and an Ordained Interfaith Minister, trained through The New Seminary in New York City. During the COVID-19 pandemic I am seeing most client via video telehealth.