I am really glad you contacted Betterhelp. I am optimistic, over the course of our times together you will come to trust me and see me more as a partner, helping you find peace and reaching your goals. When I have clients face to face in my office, I tell them during the first session, “This is the safest room in Texas.” You can say anything you want to say, anyway you want to say it. I will never judge you. I would like to come along side you and provide support and encouragement. Hopefully, during our times together you will find the insight you need to accomplish your life goals. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in Texas and in Missouri. I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Human Services and a Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling from Evangel University. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families over the course of my career. I am well experienced in trauma and PTSD. During the first week after the Joplin, MO F5 tornado in 2011, I was the lead counselor for the American Red Cross Shelter. Serving as a a counselor in the aftermath of many natural disasters has been very fulfilling. In 2018 I was onsite and provided counseling services in the aftermath of the school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas resulting in the deaths of 10 students and teachers. It has been a privilege to conduct workshops and set on conference panels for trauma and counseling. I am also an adjunct professor for my alma mater teaching courses on psychology, human services, personal relationships, sociology, etc. I believe strongly that you are your own expert. No one knows you like you know yourself. I believe you have everything you need inside of you to work out the issues you are bringing into these sessions. My role will be to listen closely to what you say. As I listen, I will from time to time encourage you to further explain or go deeper into the matter you are discussing. Sometimes I might ask questions to help you think deeper about something you said, or to explore alternatives to your thoughts and feelings. Processing your own thoughts can be an emotional and strange activity. It will be really imperative for you to be honest during our times together. This is not so I can know the truth, but rather for you to explore the truth yourself and not hide things from yourself. It is important to be honest with ourselves in order to find the answers and ultimately the peace we are looking for in ourselves.