What does an LPC stand for?

An LPC, or Licensed Professional Counselor, is a mental health professional who has completed extensive education and training to provide counseling and therapy services. To become an LPC, I have earned a relevant graduate degree in counseling or a related field, and have met all the required licensing criteria in our state.

This includes passing a comprehensive national exam, jurisprudence exam, completing a masters degree, and fulfilling a year of volunteer supervised clinical experience hours. As an LPC, I am licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges.

My role is to provide support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions to help you navigate life’s difficulties and achieve your personal goals. You can feel confident that as an LPC, I am committed to maintaining high standards of professional and ethical practice. My main goal is to portray compassion, curiosity and help clients discover more clarity.

What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach?

When it comes to navigating personal challenges and pursuing mental health goals, the choice between a licensed therapist and a life coach can make a significant difference. Here’s why working with a licensed therapist might be the better option for you:

1. Professional Training and Credentials: As a licensed therapist, I have completed extensive education and training in psychology or counseling, culminating in a state license. This involves a rigorous academic background, clinical practice, and passing a comprehensive licensing exam. My training equips me to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, ensuring that you receive evidence-based and effective care.

2. Clinical Expertise: My role as a licensed therapist involves a deep understanding of mental health conditions and therapeutic techniques. I’m trained to address complex emotional issues and provide specialized interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This clinical expertise is crucial for addressing underlying psychological issues and facilitating genuine healing.

3. Ethical Standards and Confidentiality: As a licensed therapist, I adhere to strict ethical guidelines and standards set by professional organizations and state licensing boards. This includes maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that your privacy is protected. This level of accountability and professionalism provides an added layer of security and trust in our therapeutic relationship.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Unlike life coaches, licensed therapists can provide formal diagnoses and develop tailored treatment plans. This allows for a more structured and targeted approach to addressing your specific needs. Whether you're dealing with mental health issues or seeking personal growth, I can offer a comprehensive plan to guide your progress.

5. Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans cover therapy sessions with licensed professionals, which can make accessing mental health care more affordable. Life coaches typically do not offer services that are covered by insurance.

6. Regulated Practice: My practice as a licensed therapist is regulated by state licensing boards, ensuring that I adhere to professional standards and receive ongoing education to stay current in the field. This regulatory oversight provides an added layer of quality assurance in the care you receive.

While life coaches offer valuable support and guidance for personal and professional development, a licensed therapist provides a deeper level of clinical expertise and therapeutic support. If you’re dealing with mental health issues or need comprehensive support, working with a licensed therapist ensures that you receive the most effective and professionally guided care that is monitored by a committee of professionals and medical boards for best practice standards.

What is EMDR?

If you're struggling with trauma or distressing memories, I’d like to introduce you to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy—a powerful tool in the journey to healing.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. It integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with bilateral stimulation (typically through guided eye movements, alternating hand buzzers, audio stimulation oscillating between each ear at different times, or cross body tapping) to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories. This process helps to reduce the emotional charge associated with these memories, allowing for more adaptive and positive perspectives.

Why EMDR Could Be the Right Choice for You:

1. Effective Trauma Resolution: EMDR has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It helps you reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to integrate these experiences into your broader life narrative.

2. Quick and Targeted Results: Many clients experience significant relief from their symptoms relatively quickly with EMDR. The therapy is designed to target specific distressing memories, helping you move past them more rapidly than some traditional therapies.

3. Comprehensive Approach: EMDR doesn’t just address the surface-level symptoms; it works at the root of the trauma. By focusing on how traumatic memories are stored and processed, EMDR helps you reframe and heal these experiences on a deep, neurological level.

4. Reduced Dependence on Verbal Processing: Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t always require extensive verbal recounting of traumatic events. This can be especially beneficial if you find it challenging to discuss certain memories or experiences in detail.

5. Holistic Healing: EMDR aims to help you process past traumas while also fostering a stronger sense of self and personal empowerment. It supports the development of healthier beliefs and emotional resilience, enhancing your overall well-being.

6. Personalized and Safe: As a licensed therapist, I will tailor the EMDR process to your specific needs and pace, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Your comfort and trust are paramount as we navigate this healing journey together.

Why Choose EMDR with a Licensed Therapist?

My role as a licensed therapist means that I bring a depth of professional training and clinical experience to your EMDR therapy. I am equipped to address complex trauma and support you through the entire process, providing a structured and compassionate approach to your healing.

If you’re ready to explore how EMDR can help you reclaim peace and resilience, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

What does NCC mean?

Rigorous Standards of Excellence: The NCC credential is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), representing a high standard of professionalism and competency. To earn this certification, I have met stringent educational requirements, completed a comprehensive examination, and demonstrated extensive clinical experience. This ensures that I adhere to the highest standards of practice in counseling.

1. Commitment to Ongoing Professional Development: Maintaining the NCC credential requires ongoing continuing education and professional development. This commitment ensures that I stay current with the latest research, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices, providing you with the most effective and up-to-date care.

2. Comprehensive Training: The NCC credential signifies that I have undergone thorough training in a wide range of counseling techniques and theories. This broad expertise allows me to offer diverse and tailored approaches to meet your individual needs, whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, or personal growth.

3. Ethical and Professional Integrity: Holding the NCC credential means that I adhere to strict ethical guidelines and professional standards. This commitment to ethical practice ensures that you receive counseling in a safe, respectful, and confidential environment.

4. Enhanced Trust and Confidence: Knowing that I hold the NCC credential can provide you with added confidence in the quality of care you receive. This certification reflects a dedication to providing competent and compassionate therapy, helping you feel secure and supported throughout your therapeutic journey.

5. Specialized Skills and Knowledge: The NCC credential demonstrates a depth of specialized skills and knowledge in various therapeutic modalities. This means I am well-equipped to address complex issues and provide you with comprehensive support tailored to your unique situation.

Choosing a therapist with the NCC credential means you are working with a dedicated professional who meets rigorous standards of excellence and is committed to your well-being.

What is Internal Family Systems About?

Discover the Power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

If you’re exploring ways to achieve deeper healing and self-compassion, I’d like to introduce you to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. This transformative approach can be incredibly effective in fostering a greater understanding and empathy toward yourself and others. Here’s why IFS might be a valuable addition to your therapeutic journey:

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy?

Internal Family Systems therapy is a holistic approach that views the mind as composed of distinct "parts" or sub-personalities, each with its own perspectives, feelings, and roles. These parts often interact with one another in ways that influence your thoughts, behaviors, and emotional well-being. The goal of IFS is to help you understand and harmonize these internal parts to promote healing and self-compassion.

How IFS Can Benefit You:

1. Deeper Self-Understanding: IFS helps you uncover and understand the different parts of yourself—such as the inner critic, the protector, or the wounded child. By recognizing and addressing these parts, you gain insight into your internal conflicts and patterns, allowing for a more profound understanding of your behaviors and emotions.

2. Healing from Within: Through IFS, you can work with these internal parts to heal past wounds and traumas. The therapy focuses on fostering a compassionate relationship with each part, helping you to address and resolve issues at their core. This approach promotes long-lasting healing and emotional resilience.

3. Enhanced Self-Compassion: IFS encourages you to develop a nurturing and understanding relationship with yourself. By acknowledging and embracing all parts of your internal system, you cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion. This means treating yourself with kindness and patience, rather than judgment or criticism.

4. Improved Relationships with Others: As you gain compassion for your own internal parts, you’ll find that this empathy extends to your relationships with others. Understanding the diverse aspects of your own psyche can help you approach interactions with greater patience, empathy, and tolerance, fostering more meaningful and harmonious connections.

5. Empowerment and Integration: IFS empowers you to take an active role in your healing process. By working with your internal parts, you can integrate them into a cohesive and balanced self. This sense of internal harmony enhances your overall well-being and helps you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.

6. Safe and Supportive Exploration: As a licensed therapist, I am here to guide you through the IFS process in a safe and supportive environment. Together, we’ll explore your internal landscape with care and respect, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.

IFS therapy offers a compassionate and empowering approach to understanding and healing yourself. If you’re ready to explore this method and see how it can enhance your journey towards greater self-compassion and healthier relationships, I’m here to help.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation. I look forward to supporting you on this transformative path.