My Story
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. My work focuses on trauma recovery, building resilience, and supporting those navigating high-functioning anxiety, life transitions, and complex developmental trauma. I aim to create a safe and empowering space where you feel heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.
With more than 20 years in the field of social work and trauma, I’ve supported children, teens, and adults through challenges like abuse, neglect, emotional dysregulation, relationship struggles, disconnect, high intense life changes, and stressful life environments. I draw from approaches such as Attachment Theory, Resilience work, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Holistic Healing, Relational Trauma Work, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TB-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems to meet each client’s unique needs. My work is always grounded in trauma-informed care and emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, connection, relationship building, and understanding—especially within families and relationships.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy the simple joys of life—spending time with my family, cheering at my kids’ sporting events, camping, and gardening. I believe strongly in holistic wellness and the connection between our bodies, environment, and emotional health. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and care as you work towards feeling whole and well.
Transforming mental healthcare
I have extensive experience in the child welfare system, working with cases involving child abuse, neglect, trauma, foster care, acute crisis hospitals, and school systems. This background has enabled me to research and provide training on trauma, life experiences, and their impact on relationships, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms. I am deeply passionate about meeting you where you are in your life journey, offering education, and tailoring treatment to empower you in creating hope, meaningful connections, and happiness. In this journey, you are the guide, and I am here to support you as the vehicle to help you reach your goals.
A modern approach
My office currently offers individual sessions designed to address your unique mental health needs. In the future, we plan to establish a network of support groups to ensure you feel connected and know you're not alone in your journey. Our electronic health records system makes managing your account simple, allowing you to request appointments, communicate, and sign necessary paperwork conveniently from your mobile phone.
At this time, I have chosen to accept only private pay to simplify the process for both you and me. Insurance companies often require specific diagnoses and rigid treatment plans focused on symptoms. I believe mental health is far more complex than a checklist of symptoms, which is why I prioritize a holistic, individualized approach tailored to your needs. Together, we explore ways to foster healing, guided by evidence-based techniques and theories without being confined to predefined categories. By focusing solely on private pay, I can dedicate my time and energy to providing comprehensive care, ensuring your healing remains the top priority.
FAQ’s
I don’t live near Gower, MO. Can I still get help?
If you live in the state of Missouri or Iowa online teletherapy can be an easy, convenient way to get help. Teletherapy is an option upon request and as appropriate for your needs.
What ages do you see?
I thoroughly enjoy working with young adolescents, adolescents, and young adults. I also have experience in all ages and family systems. I specialize in working with women and mothers through life’s busy times.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
You’ll enter a warm , relaxing atmosphere where we can get to know each other better. After your phone or email consultation you’ll be sent paperwork electronically so you don’t have to waste time signing forms during our 1st meeting. We’ll complete an intake where we discuss your history, what you would like to achieve in therapy and what the process will look like. It lasts an average of 45 minutes. Once we feel established with the intake, we will get started with your first session.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept private pay. I am an out of network provider for most insurance companies. For more information on using your out of network benefits for therapy, click here. Often clients are able to use their Health Savings Account to pay for sessions and/or received out of network reimbursement from their insurance as long as you have a card to enter into the system. Upon request, I can supply you with a “super bill” so you can turn this into your insurance company monthly. You will be responsible for payment upon completion of each therapy session.
How long am I going to be in therapy for?
Your therapy journey depends on your needs and progress. It can vary from person to person on how long therapy lasts. On average I tell clients to expect at least 6 months of therapy, and often a year or longer. My clients often have maintenance sessions every so often following this.
How do you accept payments?
I accept credits cards, checks and cash. All checks can be made out to Conversation Peace Wellness, LLC. Also, health savings accounts are frequently able to be used.
How do I set up an appointment with you?
