Why I became a therapist
Once upon a time, I was a teenager who hated counseling.
My early years included laughter, music, community and love.
Those years were also marked by mental illness, substance abuse, divorce and abandonment.
Putting it gently, there were complexities.
I remember the resistance like it was yesterday. I couldn’t understand how telling a stranger about my screwed up life was supposed to make anything better. No thank you.
It wasn’t until years later that I realized the great impact it had on me. My work in therapy, albeit begrudgingly, taught me to
recognize my thoughts, feelings and beliefs
identify areas within my control and let go of the rest
clarify expectations in relationships
consider a tomorrow that looks different than today
acknowledge pain as a pathway to peace
Maybe I would’ve learned those things along the way, or maybe I wouldn’t have. All I know is that my life’s work will be spent sharing hope with others.
I have seen the goodness of God in my life. Looking back, I can see His faithfulness in every season - even in the darkest. Most often I recognize when He uses people, even counselors who start as strangers.
I know from my own experiences that therapy is no walk in the park. I’m also living proof that it’s worth it.
It is a privilege to bear witness to the courage of vulnerability each day. I consider it an honor to hold yours.
About Me
I am licensed in the State of Alabama. I received my Masters in Counseling from the CACRAP-accredited counseling program at the University of Alabama and hold NCC designation.
I was a school counselor for well-over a decade, and through that time learned the power of connection, presence and knowledge.
My time serving adolescents and their families provided a front-row seat to the challenges our kids and families are facing today. And honeyyyy, are they facing them!
Spending years in public education taught me that young people are incredible, resilient and easy to love. Unfortunately, easy to love doesn’t mean easy to raise.
It also taught me that serving young people well often means loving, serving and equipping the adults in their lives.
That’s ultimately why Confident Hope was born - to serve both. Teddy Roosevelt’s words ring true:
Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
What Sets Me Apart?
Authenticity
One of the most meaningful compliments I’ve ever received was from a teen who knows me well. He said
“one thing I like about you is that you’re the same everywhere.”
As a counselor, a worship leader, a friend, a mom or a neighbor - my roles change, but the heart behind them is the same.
I’ve never been great at the surface level pleasantries. Even if we’re keeping it breezy, I want time shared to matter. You can trust that who you see is who you get, and have full permission to bring your authentic self to the counseling relationship, too.
Hope Dealer
I cannot overstate the importance of hope.
After all, what is the point of sharing your counseling journey with me, if I don’t truly believe that your days can and will be brighter.
Spoiler Alert: They can and they will.
It’s important that we surround ourselves with those who can hold that belief for us, when ours inevitably waxes and wanes.
If you want therapy to feel like time spent with a friend who cares enough to speak truth (even the hard stuff) and confidently call out the good hope of your future, you’ve come to the right place.
I am not alone
I have a Helper.
Counseling programs, licensure, and mental health certifications taught me so much about evidence-based strategies, theories, skills and development…
but every day since has taught me more. The moments that matter most don’t come from a textbook.
They come from a still, small voice, a peaceful presence, an acknowledgement that I am no one’s savior, nor do I need be.
I spent years counseling in public schools and couldn’t speak the name of Jesus, but His presence was with me in every moment, and
He changes everything.