I am passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma, relationships and their inner selves, always focusing on practical solutions and fostering greater self-acceptance.
For several years, I was fortunate to work at a local community-based mental health agency, where I specialized in supporting individuals through traumatic experiences. This role also provided me with the invaluable opportunity to connect with many inspiring leaders in our community and to expand access to mental health services for our dedicated human service professionals.
Currently, through Mental Wellness Counseling’s partnership with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff Department, I have been able to focus on the unique needs of our first responders and law enforcement. I am very enthusiastic about broadening this work to include other vital human service professionals such as teachers, nurses, social workers, dispatchers, basically any public human service workers as the demand/expectations placed on all of us is growing. Our community relies heavily on these individuals, and I am deeply committed to supporting their mental health well-being.
My goal is to equip them with mindfulness techniques and practical strategies, like reframing negative thoughts, to increase their resilience and prevent burnout. Since COVID 19, there has been a steady increase of depression, anxiety, trauma, and workplace burnout. Workplaces have been struggling to keep up with the demand, because of depleted workforces and lack-luster applicant pools. This is a real problem for our first responders as they are chronically exposed to tragedies and traumatic situations. Without being able to process/debrief the thoughts and feelings, it takes a toll on their mental health and well-being.
Beyond workplace well-being, I am also a strong advocate for self-acceptance. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”