Beyond The Box Counseling

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Educator, and Neurodiversity Advocate. -B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Lindenwood University, 2002) -Certification in Early Childhood Special Education (MO Dept. of Education) -Graduate Coursework in Severe Developmental Disabilities and Inclusionary Classroom Practices (Webster University) -M.A. in Professional Counseling (Lindenwood University, 2020) My career began with 18 years as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in a local school district. My passion for supporting MENTAL HEALTH and SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS led me to transition into counseling. I have provided clinical therapy for CHILDREN, TEENS, and ADULTS in a child advocacy center, a group counseling practice, and currently through my own private counseling practice. I am passionate about helping people with differing abilities, lagging social emotional skills, anxiety, depression, or impacted by trauma. Creating a NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING world is very important to me, as a parent of neurodivergent kids and a late diagnosed ADHDer myself. I believe that MINDS OF ALL KINDS should be celebrated! During counseling sessions, I focus on developing a strong RELATIONSHIP and TRUST through PERSON-CENTERED therapy techniques. I also incorporate NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING PLAY THERAPY techniques and COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (recognizing the connections between our thoughts, emotions, actions). Our work takes place in a SENSORY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT that can be modified for each individual's needs/preferences. COLLABORATION WITH FAMILY is essential when working with kids/teens. TOGETHER, we will brainstorm and experiment to IDENTIFY SUPPORTIVE STRATEGIES that will work best for your family. My NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING SUPPORT extends beyond our counseling sessions. Unfortunately, most schools and other environments in our daily lives are not designed for all people. This can impact SELF-ESTEEM and MENTAL HEALTH. Developing SELF-ADVOCATION skills is a focus in our sessions. I help clients identify specific struggles and guide COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING to improve their accessibility. It is also beneficial to INCLUDE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (friends, family), school staff, work supervisors, healthcare team members, etc. to participate in this planning so that they are EQUIPPED FOR ASSISTING outside of sessions. This may look like family joining a portion of therapy sessions, including me in school/work meetings, or phone consultations. I am part of your care team and EAGER TO ASSIST IN ADVOCATION if needed.