Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a focus in Criminology from the University of Utah in 2009.
Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Westminster College in 2013.
about the value of deeper psychological work, I work from a Psychodynamic or Object Relations perspective. I also use Attachment Theory. I have been trained in many other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and borrow from those when the treatment calls for it. One’s individual psychology is usually quite complex and requires some time and dedication from the client and the therapist together to help not only eradicate presenting problems, but gain insight into what may be underneath the presenting issue(s).
While solution focused and new age short terms therapies are gaining lots of notoriety and popularity amongst mental health practitioners and therapy consumers, research shows that deeper psychological work promotes longer and more sustainable change (Shedler, 2010). This isn't to say you have to be in therapy forever. Most people don’t have the time or money for that, but coming to therapy and expecting profound results in just a few sessions isn’t the kind of work we promote at Mountain Valley Counseling. This isn’t to say some therapy won’t help and that a person won't feel some relief from just a few sessions. Many people do feel better after a few sessions, which creates hope and is really quite wonderful. Oftentimes beyond those initial few sessions, if the person is willing, there is more to explore. This is why I work from a psychodynamic and insight-oriented perspective. Look on Mountain Valley Counseling’s blog for more information about that kind of work.