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Philosophy of Counseling

A therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, collaboration, and respect is the catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.

I view clients as capable, resourceful, and inherently oriented toward wellness. My role is to partner with them as they do the courageous work of healing and insight-building. Grounded in neuroplasticity and metacognition, I commit to providing interventions that are evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to each person’s unique context. Through cultural humility and intentional attunement, I strive to create the safe space necessary for vulnerability and transformation.

Clinical Skills & Theory Development

Theory Application

Deep integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) frameworks into clinical conceptualization and treatment planning.

Intervention Skills

Refining active listening, empathic attunement, and evidence-based interventions to facilitate meaningful behavioral change and emotional regulation.

Ongoing Development

Commitment to lifelong learning through supervision, consultation, and scholarly activity to ensure the highest standard of ethical practice.

Research and Scholarly Activity

RESEARCH

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RESEARCH

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Professional Service, Leadership, & Advocacy

Professional service, leadership, and advocacy have been central themes throughout my career and continue to shape my development as a future clinical mental health counselor. Through more than 25 years in law enforcement, I have served in roles that required crisis response, conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and advocacy for individuals, families, and communities during difficult moments. My leadership experience includes serving as an Officer-in-Charge, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Treasurer of the Iowa State Fraternal Order of Police,. In my current role as a School Resource Officer, I work closely with students, families, educators, and community partners to promote safety, trust, prevention, and positive youth development. As part of a committee, I also partnered the Bettendorf Police Department with the Gray Matters Collective to raise funds through mental health awareness patch sales for the establishment of a new GMC chapter. My Clinical Mental Health Counseling education strengthens this foundation by deepening my understanding of human development, trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice, and client advocacy. Together, these experiences reflect my commitment to service-oriented leadership and to advocating for systems of support that promote dignity, resilience, and well-being.

Mentorship

Guided by seasoned professionals at GCU and Blue Tree Counseling and Consultation, my mentorship experience focuses on the integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical intuition. This collaborative relationship provides a critical space for ethical reflection, skill refinement, and the cultivation of a robust professional identity that prioritizes client welfare and evidence-based practice.

Wellness Plan and Self-Care

  • Regular clinical supervision and peer consultation to process countertransference.
  • Consistent engagement in mindfulness practices and somatic grounding techniques.
  • Maintaining a clear boundary between professional responsibilities and personal restoration.
  • Ongoing pursuit of scholarly activity to fuel intellectual curiosity and professional passion.
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