My mission as a therapist is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel free to express yourself. I value the uniqueness of the individual while also fostering the health of the whole family. I honor the whole of each of my clients as human beings by integrating the mind, body, and spirit into treatment. People say I am easy to connect with and a great listener.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Idaho LCSW #30719 and Utah LCSW #6059007-3501) and Play Therapist. My education, training, and clinical
experience include working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family and group therapies. I have specialized training in child centered play therapy techniques, filial play therapy (family play therapy), and sand tray therapy. I also have extensive experience and interest in women’s issues and treatment in the areas of depression, trauma recovery, anxiety and life transitions.
I received a BS degree in Family Science/Psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in 1999 and a Master of Social Work degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California in 2001.
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n the past, I worked as a clinical therapist for Riverside County Children’s Mental Health in Moreno Valley, California providing therapy to low income children and their families. I also worked as an Associate Therapist with Loma Linda University’s Department of Psychiatry – a group private practice – and as a contract therapist for Alternatives to Domestic Violence – a women’s shelter located in Southern California. In these settings, I provided play therapy services to children who had witnessed or experienced trauma, were struggling with life adjustment issues (such as divorce or family separation), and coping with various behavioral problems and family dysfunction. I also provided therapeutic services to women coping with serious trauma, anxiety, depression, transitional life issues, and significant loss. In addition, I worked as a Primary Therapist for Heritage School, a residential treatment center for troubled teens, in Provo, Utah. I opened my private practice in the Fall of 2006.
I have a particular love and passion for working with women and children. I am a current member of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists (AMCAP), the Association for Play Therapy (National Chapter and Idaho branch), and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). I reside in Idaho Falls and enjoy an active and busy family life with my husband and 4 children.