Starting Planting Seeds Recovery wasn't in the "original plan" for me when I decided to leave my writing career in 2007 and go to graduate school for Addiction Counseling. But like most things in life, we end up in places we never planned and sometimes we are right where we need to be. I was ultimately inspired to create the recovery center I wished would have been there when I started my personal healing process.

The name Planting Seeds Recovery captures my belief about our role as healers. We are here to inspire, nurture, encourage, and empower clients and those acts will often have a ripple effect in their lives and the lives of people around them. We are planting seeds. We can make change in small ways that heal people for generations to come. 

I began my career working as a therapist in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers in Minnesota. These programs promoted abstinence as the only solution and often focused on the negative behaviors that came from using chemicals. I witnessed some client's not connecting with the program message, not fitting in, leaving part way through or returning to old patterns of substance use. I also noticed that client's were not encouraged to think for themselves or explore their unique experience with substances. 

I was ultimately inspired to design a recovery program built on self-actualization, empowerment, relationships, and mindfulness. I strongly believe that clients have the ability to increase awareness of patterns of use, explore ways to get their needs met through human connection, and develop a deep mindfulness of their wants/needs as a way to feel grounded in their world. I know this process doesn't fit perfectly in a box. And that is why Planting Seeds Recovery looks a little different with a more open-ended, "a la carte" experience. 

As a therapist, I'm best at holding space for deeper discovery and deeper understanding of self. I believe that if we can get to know ourselves better, we will be less afraid and be less at risk to turn to substances to avoid the negative emotions or unknown places within ourselves. 

My style is vulnerable, authentic, thoughtful and non-judgmental. Many of my clients say they have felt safe to talk about things that they have been avoiding for years. And they found the process of self-discovery to be less scary than they thought and wish they wouldn't have waited this long to reach out for help. 

My therapeutic style utilizes Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy, Adlerian Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I have a special interest in how attachment style effects our ability to feel safe in our world, lean on others for connection, and be vulnerable in relationships. I am skilled at weaving evidence based practice into the therapeutic experience without it feeling "clinical".  

I look forward to meeting you!