Why I Became a Trauma Therapist & Founded Aspire Counseling in Missouri

I'm no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I'm human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.

I believe in the power of therapy because I've seen the impact it has in people's lives. Most of us go through something that feels so overwhelming we're not sure how to get through it. I've been there too. I've watched people I love walk through those moments.

No matter how much Aspire Counseling grows, my favorite part of my work will always be meeting directly with my clients. This is what I went to school for, and it’s what I love. I feel honored every single day to sit with people in their hardest moments, hear their stories, and witness their strength. Yes, I teach skills and share insights, but mostly I see myself as a guide helping people discover what’s already within them. I care deeply about the people I work with, and I never take lightly the trust they place in me. Even on the days I leave sessions completely spent from giving 100%, I also walk away feeling grateful and fulfilled.

Building Aspire Counseling in Missouri: Focus on Client Care

I founded Aspire Counseling in 2017 because I wanted to create a place where I could focus completely on what matters most: providing effective, personalized care that truly helps people heal.

I quickly realized the need for high-quality mental health services was much bigger than I could handle alone. So I started building a team of therapists who share my commitment to evidence-based care and genuine compassion.

Now I'm incredibly proud to lead a team of amazing clinicians. We all share the same focus: helping people heal from trauma and anxiety so they can get back to living the lives they want.

Why I Love Being a Therapist

It’s hard to describe how honored I am to be in the field of mental health. I’ve felt called to do this work since I was young. Each and every day I see clients, I feel fulfilled. This is absolutely the most meaningful career I could ever envision having.

I love watching people discover their own strength, become healthier, and transform their lives. The most rewarding thing is seeing someone walk away lighter, more free, and genuinely hopeful about their future.

For many of my clients, healing isn’t about “getting back” to how things were before something happened — because life has already been changed. It’s about moving forward. Therapy is about creating a life that feels meaningful, where your goals, values, and the things most important to you guide the way. My role is to help you find the tools, insights, and inner strength you need to build a life that feels truly worth living — one that’s aligned with who you are and what you care about most.

My Approach to Trauma and Anxiety Therapy: Evidence-Based Care That Works

I have a natural ability to help people feel comfortable and safe. People often tell me I'm a good listener who can be fully present for their stories, even when they’re difficult.

I believe you deserve to feel more than just heard though. I believe you deserve healing. I approach each and every session with that intention. I tell my clients that if I can’t show up 100% I’ll ask to reschedule. That rarely happens, but my clients can feel my commitment in sessions. I’m there 100%. I show up to each session thinking about our long term goals, thinking about what we’ve already accomplished, having a plan based on the specific treatment methods I use but also with an open mind to hear where my clients are today.

Our sessions will be focused on you. You'll have space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe, you'll be able to work through past hurts and build skills for moving forward.

I believe in therapy that works, which means combining three things: well-researched methods, my experience as a therapist, and what YOU need and want. Every session balances these three elements.

I also make it a point to go well above the minimum continuing education required. I regularly attend professional conferences and trainings, usually focused on trauma and anxiety treatment, because I want my clients to have the very best tools for healing.

Trauma Therapy Intensives in Missouri: My Favorite Clinical Work

One thing I absolutely love doing is trauma therapy intensives. Instead of weekly sessions over many months, we work together intensively for 1-2 weeks. You'll have two sessions per day, plus homework and skills practice.

This approach helps people make significant progress quickly. After the intensive, you can continue with weekly therapy to keep building on that progress. It's incredible to watch someone break through in just a week or two after feeling stuck for so long.

Curious about what this looks like? Read more on a blog blog I wrote about these: What to Expect During Trauma Therapy Intensives.

Evidence-Based Trauma and Anxiety Treatment That Fits Your Needs

For me, evidence-based counseling is about more than just using methods research shows work. It's about balancing what we know works with what YOU need in that moment.

For example, with trauma therapy, I might start with Cognitive Processing Therapy, which is incredibly effective for PTSD. But if we get stuck, we might switch to EMDR for a while. It's about taking my knowledge of really effective therapies and matching them to your needs.

From the beginning, you and I form a real partnership. We're equals working together on your healing journey. Together, we'll set goals and create a plan. Then we'll work to help you find healing and move toward the life you want.

What Drives My Work as a Trauma and Anxiety Therapist

As a therapist, I'm driven by these core beliefs:

• People deserve to do more than just survive – you deserve to find joy and meaning in your life

• You deserve effective counseling, not just “how was your week” sessions

• You deserve to work with a therapist who is truly a good fit and has real expertise in your specific issues

• Trauma survivors are not defined by what happened to them

• Emotions heal when they're witnessed and validated

• You're strong enough to face what you're going through

• Taking care of yourself is generous to everyone around you

• Shame loses its power when we share our story with someone who truly understands

About Me: Travel, Growth, and Professional Development

When I'm not working, I love to travel. There's something about experiencing new places and cultures that keeps me curious and grounded. It reminds me how big and beautiful the world is, which I think makes me a better therapist.

I'm also passionate about professional growth and attend conferences whenever possible. I love learning new ways to help people heal more effectively.

My Therapy Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, and Professional Stress

While I work with a range of clients, my main areas of focus include:

Trauma Therapy

• Trauma therapy intensives (my favorite!)

• PTSD treatment, even years after trauma

• Support after sexual assault

• Help shortly after traumatic events

Anxiety Treatment

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks

• High-functioning anxiety in successful people

• Social anxiety

• When anxiety starts interfering with professional or academic performance

College Students & Young Adults

• Adjusting to college life

• Feeling lost or uncertain about direction

• Life after graduation

• Managing academic and social pressures

High-Functioning Professionals

• Business owners, professors, physicians, and other successful professionals

• People who've achieved a lot by pushing themselves hard, but now find past trauma or anxiety is interfering

• Stress management for high achievers

• When perfectionism or overwork starts backfiring

• Professionals who are used to solving problems but find themselves stuck

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counseling
I believe everyone deserves supportive, effective counseling regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Aspire Counseling is built to be welcoming and affirming to all individuals.

My Professional Background and Specialized Training

I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri and earned my Master's of Social Work from the University of New England in 2012.

My experience ranges from working at Fulton State Hospital to schools with students facing significant emotional challenges. Everywhere I've worked, I've focused on evidence-based practices and helping people overcome their greatest stressors.

I'm committed to deep, comprehensive training in the methods I use. I'm fully trained in EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma treatment. I've completed multi-day intensive trainings in mindfulness-based approaches, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I also have extensive training in other evidence-based methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Trauma-Focused CBT, which gives me a broad toolkit to draw from based on what each client needs.

This level of training matters because it means I can offer you truly specialized care, not just general therapy techniques.

Why I Love Mental Health Work: Transformation and Growth

I genuinely love being a therapist. Watching clients find healing and start moving toward their ideal lives gives me energy and excitement. It's an honor to partner with people as they grow and rediscover their passion for life.

I believe deeply in the power of counseling. Client after client has found their way to joy, happiness, and purpose. That transformation is what drives me forward every day.

I'm passionate about mental health, dedicated to helping others, and want nothing more than to help you get unstuck so you can be the best version of yourself.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.