A Compass Within Personal Consulting

I typically like to talk about the client and their needs on the phone, and then set up our first session. Then, in the first session, I learn more about the client and the reason they are coming to therapy. I learn about how the problem is impacting their life, and what outcomes they would like from therapy. I help the client achieve their own goals, and learn what their own goals are if they are unsure of that.  

I have a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University. My major was Family Studies, and my minors were Youth Studies and Anthropology. I then attended Purdue University Northwest and obtained my Master of Science degree in Child Development & Family Studies, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I was also part of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's Minority Fellowship Program, where I furthered my education and learned about working with various minority and unerprivileged groups in the United States. I have also presented research at numerous conferences, and I completed my thesis on Marriage and Family Therapists' Perspectives and Attitudes Toward Polyamorous Relationships. 

My services generally range from $60-$120 per session, but I am flexible in my pricing and work with clients to make therapy accessible to everyone. 

I reached out to the private practice I am working at because I liked their perspective on working with clients. When I interviewed, we got along very well, and I accepted the job when they offered it to me. 

 I have worked with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem issues, communication difficulties, and parenting concerns. I am also an LGBTQ-affirmative therapist and kink-aware therapist, as well as a polyamory-friendly therapist for consensual non-monogamous relationship structures. I have experience supporting clients related to the identity process, experiences of discrimination, and the coming out process for LGBTQ/poly individuals, families, and couples.

I have greatly enjoyed working with my clients and having moments when they are able to express their honest feelings to themselves or to their partner. 

My area of expertise is in working with LGBTQ individuals, families, and couples, as well as in working with the polyamorous community. My recommendation in looking for a therapist in this area would be to ask questions such as, "what are your experiences in working with these clients?" I would also ask whether the therapist has experiences/open-mindedness regarding other sexual orientations or gender identities, such as working with people who identify as asexual, pansexual, gender fluid, or gender non-binary. In regards to working with the polyamorous community, I would also ask about the therapists' experiences, knowledge, and outlook on polyamory. In addition, I would ask if the therapist is familiar with hierarchical vs. non-hierarchical polyamorous relationships, solo and single polyamory, legal issues for polyamorous relationships, and even if they are familiar with relationship anarchy.  

Potential clients should consider the fact that talking to a therapist can be difficult, but will often be beneficial in the long run. They should ask themselves whether they are willing to do the self-reflection and self-work that therapy often requires.