Clinical Experience
Much of my early career was focused on individuals with co-occurring disorders (Substance abuse and mental illness). For the past 15 years I have worked at the crossroads of the mental health and legal systems. In 2004 I began working with inmates at the Washtenaw County Jail. I conducted psycho-social assessments as well as suicide evaluations. From 2007-2012 I was the service coordinator for the Justice Project Outreach Team (J-PORT). We provided mental health outreach services to individuals in Washtenaw County with non-violent misdemeanor charges. We worked with both the Public Defenders office as well as the Prosecuting Attorney’s office to provide both pre-booking and post-booking jail diversion services.
My Philosophy
My clinical training took place within a Humanistic/Existential framework. I believe it’s vital to see clients as whole people, not just the sum of their parts. Examining the different dimensions of each individuals life is key to lasting happiness. I encourage my clients to approach wellness from many perspectives including: emotional, physical, spiritual and social.
I approach my work with clients as a guide to help them achieve their inherent potential. I employ evidence based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am a member of both the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan (CPIM) and the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).