I pull from a number of theories in my work with clients. My favorites are Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) developed by Diana Fosha, Internal Family Systems (IFS) developed by Richard Schwartz, and Trauma-Informed Narrative Therapy developed by Dr. Dan Allender. Cognitive behavioral, somatic, and emotion focused theories are also woven into how I engage clients.

2017-2019 Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University

2017 Story Workshop in Denver, CO with Dr. Dan Allender. ~30hrs. This was my introduction to Dr. Allender and his trauma informed, narrative method of engaging stories of harm.

2017-2018 Certificate in Narrative Focused Trauma Care - Level 1 with The Allender Center in Seattle, WA. ~120hrs. I continued to study under Dan Allender, Cathy Loerzel and others for three more years (see below) with an increasing focus on facilitating complex group dynamics and the nuances of reading and “being with” the story of another.

2018-2019 Certificate in Narrative Focused Trauma Care - Level 2 ~120hrs.

2019-2020 Certificate in Narrative Focused Trauma Care - Level 3 ~120hrs.

Fall 2020 Clinical Foundations in Gottman Methods Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2. ~36 hours. This is training to help couples learn to manage conflict, deepen friendship and intimacy, and share their life purpose and dreams.

Spring 2021 Unwanted Guide's Training with Jay Stringer. ~24hrs These weeks focused on applying Allender Theory to the specific category of an individual's unwanted sexual behavior, such as unwanted pornography use. The western church has long leaned on accountability, decreased access, and the theology of sin and repentance for those who struggle, while helpful on some level this approach has often failed to result in the long-lasting, outgrowing of pornography use that the individual desires. Jay's methodology goes after the roots, the storied beginnings of a person's struggle.

December 2021 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Immersion Course with presenter Jeremy Lamagna of the AEDP Institute. ~60hrs This theory was developed by Diana Fosha and weaves mindfulness, contemplation, and gratitude into therapy sessions, following the client’s physical and emotional experiences as they follow their built-in capacity for healing. The salient feature of childhood trauma tends to be not the trauma itself, but the felt experience of nobody being there, thus the fundamental focus of AEDP is “undoing aloneness.”

Spring 2022 Trauma Focused Narrative Therapy with Cyndi Mesmer, Adam Young, Danielle Castillejo, and Jenny McGrath at Art of Living Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. ~60hrs This course offered ongoing practice toward expertise in Allender theory through the lens of different practitioners.

Summer 2022 Story Consultation Group with Cyndi Mesmer of Art of Living Counseling Center in Chicago, IL.