Can you give me a synopsis of your educational background in counseling and psychology?

In 2016, I earned my BS in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. I then went on to earn a Dual Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis Counseling) and School Counseling. During this time, I had the opportunity to intern at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute. I worked alongside the neuro-oncology team to provide social services to brain cancer patients (linkage to resources and addressing any barriers to treatment). I’m a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC); I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

What drew you to this field?

When you ask someone why they want to work in a specific field, a generic answer you often hear is, “Well, I just want to help people.” When choosing a career, I definitely wanted to help people, but more specifically, I wanted to help people who were hurting emotionally. I have always been drawn to the misunderstood, the lonely, the broken. For me, this wasn’t a career I chose but rather a natural way for me to give back to God the gifts He’s placed in me.

Do you have a specialization or preferred counseling category?

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults (individual counseling and family counseling). My preferred population is individual counseling for ages 13+ struggling with trauma-induced depression and/or anxiety. I also prefer clients who have a desire (no matter how small) to honor God with their lives. In my experience, these clients tend to get the most out of our time together. 

Can you tell us about your full-time job?

I currently work for a children’s outpatient clinic in Albany, Georgia. I see children as young as five years old, up to eighteen years old, most of whom have experienced significant trauma. At this agency, we see clients regardless of their ability to pay. With such a wide range in age, I tailor the theoretical approach and interventions to match my client’s age, needs, and goals, whether it be Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt interventions, and more. 

Is there a marked difference between the people you work with through OneNeed as compared to your other counseling opportunities?

When choosing a specific graduate program, I questioned if I should choose a Christian counseling program, or something else. I knew that God would be my client’s ultimate Healer and Comforter, and on one hand, I wanted to work with clients who held this same belief, but then I considered the people who wouldn’t come to me because of that label – “Christian Counselor.” I want to help all people, not just those who believe what I believe. In both settings, I do my best to let the love of Christ flow through me, but with OneNeed clients, at their comfort level, we’re able to explore faith and other aspects of following Jesus, that I rarely, if ever, get to explore with clients at my day job.

What is the most challenging thing about working with people suffering from the effects of trauma or abuse, and what does a “win” look like?

The most challenging aspect of my job is also the most rewarding. Let me explain – one thing that trauma does is affect the way we see ourselves. It negatively thwarts our self-perception, which adds internal suffering to an already traumatic situation. For me, the most challenging (but also rewarding) aspect of working with people suffering from the effects of trauma is helping them navigate these maladaptive beliefs. Whether it be “I’ll always be alone”, “I’m not safe”, “I can’t handle my life”, “I’m not worthy”, or “I’m unlovable”… the list goes on. These negative self-beliefs are detrimental to our overall well-being, yet we all struggle to varying degrees with negative self-beliefs. For those suffering from trauma, oftentimes these beliefs are all-consuming and need to be identified, challenged, and replaced with the Truth.  A “win”, for me, is when a client is able to do just this – identify the negative core belief, explore it/challenge it, and then replace it with what God’s Word says. When a client can grasp this, wrestle with it, and practice applying it to their life, that’s when you see radical and lasting change. 

What would you like to tell our Deeders?

I want to say thank you! Thank you so much for trusting me to walk alongside people who are hurting. Accolades are important; I wouldn’t be where I am today without my education, but at the core of what I’m doing, I’m a Professional Friend – I’ll sit in the pain, wrestle with the questions, “mourn with those who mourn”; I’ll also challenge, guide, encourage and celebrate. I’m a follower of Christ first, and a counselor second. I believe that through this ministry, we will show the love of Jesus, one need at a time.