specializing in:

individual adult counseling

couples/marriage counseling

substance abuse counseling and assessments

adolescent counseling

Individual adult counseling

It is not uncommon to experience stress, discomfort, hopelessness, confusion and concern about how to handle situations or obstacles that leave us feeling empty, overwhelmed, angry and frustrated.

Individual therapy is helpful and designed to help you sort through, identify and make sense of your emotions, thoughts and feelings. It will help you prepare for the next curve ball that life may throw at you!

Successful individual therapy involves a commitment to the therapeutic process, honesty, trust and confidentiality between the therapist and client.

Sharing and revealing your deepest thoughts, concerns, and personal experiences about yourself takes a lot of courage. My focus is to create a safe, supportive, confidential and healing environment that promotes transformative growth and positive change for you.

Common concerns include:

  • Depression

  • Grief, Loss

  • Anxiety, Stress

  • Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth

  • Feelings of Shame/Guilt

  • Involvement in the Criminal Justice System

  • Anger Management

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Adjusting to life-changes/transitions (career moves, relocations, new relationships/break-ups/divorce, etc.

  • Aging Issues/Life Stages

  • Time Management

  • Life Coaching

  • Substance abuse and addiction

  • Many other mental health concerns

COUPLES/MARRIAGE COUNSELING

Communication is often the key to healthy relationships whether dating, engaged or married.  Many times I hear couples say how frustrated they are with their partner because they "don't hear me". 

Couples therapy can help all couples learn how to effectively communicate, clearly express thoughts and feelings without offending or attacking our partners. Additionally, couples therapy can help each partner listen and truly understand what is being said, instead of formulating a quick rebuttal, they may regret later.

Successful couples therapy can help each couple improve their relationship in a safe, confidential and healthy environment. Common concerns include:

  • Physical Intimacy

  • Trust Issues – Establishing or Rebuilding

  • Learning how to communicate

  • Unhealthy Conflict Styles & Patterns

  • Feeling Unappreciated

  • Mid-Life Conflicts

  • Empty Nest Issues

  • Parenting Roles

  • Changing Expectations

  • Marriage Counseling

  • Divorce

  • Infidelity

  • Rediscovering Each Other Again

  • And many other concerns

DUI-SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING AND ASSESSMENTS

I have met the training and proficiency requirements in the Nebraska Standardized Model for substance abuse evaluations called the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) & the Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI), for court approved alcohol/drug evaluations in Nebraska.   The ASI/CASI is accepted and preferred by most courts, probation offices, and treatment providers in Nebraska and surrounding areas.

The evaluation is conducted using the ASI/CASI, which is a semi-structured interview designed to address seven potential problem areas in substance-abusing clients which include:  Clients general information; medical status; employment and support status; drug and alcohol use; legal status; family and social status; and psychiatric status.

Following the interview, a report is completed and recommendations for treatment are made, based on the information gathered and assessment results.  If further treatment is needed, I may refer you to another counselor or may offer to provide therapy as described below:

  • Co-occurring therapy (when there is a combined component of both substance abuse and a mental health diagnosis)

ADOLESCENT COUNSELING

As adolescents grow, they are constantly in the process of developing the social skills and emotional intelligence necessary to lead healthy, happy lives. When adolescents experience emotions or engage in behaviors that interfere with their happiness and ability to thrive, they may benefit from meeting with a mental health professional such as a therapist or counselor. Parents and adolescents often attend therapy sessions together, as therapy can be a safe space in which to address the thoughts, feelings, and emotions experienced by all members. 

Common concerns include:

  • Body Image/Self-esteem

  • School Issues and Expulsion

  • Peer pressure

  • Teenage Sexuality

  • Partying and drug abuse

  • Involvement in the Criminal Justice System

  • Self-harm

  • Gang related issues/violence

  • Suicide prevention

  • Bullying

  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

  • Grief and Loss

  • Sadness and Depression

  • Anxiety and Fear

  • Violence, Abuse and Trauma

  • Behavioral disorders

  • Family issues

  • Relationship problems

  • Teenage Pregnancy