My Story

The path to becoming a therapist

I am a licensed mental health counselor with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology.

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There are many paths to becoming a therapist or counselor (these terms mostly mean the same thing).  After completing an undergraduate degree, therapists usually choose to study either psychology or social work.  A therapist/counselor/social worker has at least a master's degree and is licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions.  A psychologist has a doctoral degree, and in addition to treatment, may do research related to mental health, and can perform a wide range of standardized assessments.  A psychiatrist is a doctor with an MD who is licensed to prescribe medication for the management of mental health, in addition to choosing to do therapy and/or research.

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I got my master's degree at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA.  During that time, I completed clinical practicums with gay men living with HIV/AIDS, and elders living in an assisted living community.  After school I moved to Boston, MA and worked for five years with LGBTQ+ youth of color in an urban community setting.  Since returning to Iowa City, I have continued to work with LGBTQ+ people of all ages.