Meet Danielle, MSW, LCSW, CCPS-APSATS
My Story
I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up.
In fact, college was not on my radar until my Senior year in high school when it occurred to me, "hey, what am I doing?!"
I took the long road to get my education, starting at my local community school for my general education credits. It was then that I found "General Psychology 101" & I finally figured out what I was doing!
Psychology it was!
I was so fascinated to learn about humans, and why they do that they do!
It was helping me to understand myself & my family dynamics, and how addictions affect the brain. I began on a path to become a faith-based addiction counselor.
I did find a few year career in Addictions Counseling after getting my Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and even studied Addictions in Graduate School, though I wanted to experience other working environments so I spent more than a decade working in hospitals, hospice, and community health centers.
I am so so grateful for the diverse experience I have which gave me a deep sense of appreciation of how mental health and addictions affect physical health.
I chose to go into private practice, however, because I wanted to do deeper work with my clients instead of just provided a resource or doing short-term interventions. I enjoyed my time working with children in homes with families, and in the school system, and as a private practice owner, I could see a variety of clients whom I had experience, so in 2016, I opened the doors of Trinity Wellness Group, LLC! You can read more about my practice HERE
In 2018 I started working in a college as a therapist and spent several years working with students and realized how much I love working with this age group! They are smart, resourceful, & have begun asking big questions about who they are in context of their families and in the world & what they believe and do not believe!
What an honor it is to work with young adults! And yes, I do still partner with the local college to help whenever I can!
Clinical Orientation & Specialty Areas
I have listed some of the areas of training, therapy approaches, and experience that I able to offer my clients.
It is not exhaustive, however if you are looking for something specific that I am able to help with, you may find it here!
- Attachment Theory Work; Our relationships with others is largely influenced by our attachments we formed in early childhood (Incorporate this into Couples Work using
How We Love Material/Resources!)
- Enrich-Prepare Facilitator; This is an approach for working with couples pre-marital, or in marriage which starts with a very thorough assessment you and your partner take, and I will review with you the strengths and areas of improvement in sessions together.
- EMDR (Basic Training Weekends 1 & 2: EMDR Institute)
(Working towards EMDRIA CERTIFICATION!)
- Trauma-Informed & Trained; As a clinician, an APSATS trained & certified professional, & through ongoing personal/professional growth, I see how it is trauma that is at the core of most human struggles!
- 12- Step Recovery Work (AA, NA, CR, etc.); Through my training & experiences as an addictions counselor during & after graduate & undergraduate School (as well as personal experience as a person in long-term recovery)
I am able to help those considering or engaged in 12-step programs! In fact, I highly recommend 12 Step Programs for all persons seeking growth
- Grief Work - Grief is not a clinical problem, but a human condition! I have workbooks that we can use in group or 1:1 to move through grief without getting stuck!
- CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
What we think, affects how we feel. We ALL use forms of distorted thinking. I will help you to identify those thoughts that are not serving you!
- Boundary Work
- Group Work (I LOVE the power of groups to help with healing & problem solving!)
- Shame/Low-Self Worth (usually from attachment wounds and/or trauma and I am able to help identify the origin and work on improving those symptoms!)
- Betrayal Trauma (APSATS Certified) and over 7 years of experience with faith-based, partner-sensitive, trauma informed Work with women & couples going through betrayal recovery.
- New Life Ministry Group Facilitator (in Counseling Network since 2018) (Intimacy in Marriage, Restore, Lose it for Life, Courageous Parenting, Emotional Freedom)
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- Certified Health Coach (ACE)
- Certified Professional Coach (Grow Institute)
Who I am
Wife & Mom of 3 Teens
I am married to my husband of 20+ years & have been learning the highs & lows of family life, juggling "all the the things", & fighting to keep my values in proper order! But I will always be working on practicing the things I teach!
Lover of All Things Nature
I grew up on farms, always having pets, & was riding horses as I was learning to walk! I now live on 18 acres & will be pursuing specialized training to be able to offer Equine Therapy for my clients
Follower of Jesus
Since I love God, I love People & I believe
I was put here on earth to spread a message of hope & healing to hurting people.
I value & respect all people, regardless of differences in beliefs, color, gender, or any lifestyle preferences.
I have found comfort, strength, & redemption through my faith in which I fully believe that my experiences in life led me to do what I do as a therapist!
I love to learn about the brain & body
It's ok, you can call me a nerd! It's a compliment to me! I few up with undiagnosed ADHD & had multiple school moves,
so school was "never my thing" ..
But it is now!
This is good news for my clients because I invest a lot of time and money on advanced trainings & consultations to provide the best treatment possible!
Fun fact:
I am also a Certified Professional Coach,
and Certified Health Coach!
Since I love learning, and love learning about the body,, on proper nutrition & brain health, I pursued additional training on healthy coaching and have a separate coaching business for women coming out of betrayal trauma & trying to find out who they are after the trauma!
Yes, I wear a lot of hats!
Clinical Approach
My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based techniques and tailor my approach to each client's unique needs. I prioritize creating a warm and supportive environment for my clients.
I place a high priority on both ethics & boundaries.
Empathic & Authentic
I have been through a lot of challenging situations which enables me to relate to many struggles that my clients have experienced. but even without relatable experiences, , I can understand the feelings & emotions, welcome them, and encourage them!
It is important to me that my clients feel seen, heard, & valued.
It is also very important to me that if my clients feel comfortable to share ALL parts of themselves with me, and not feels judged.
The therapy room should be a safe place for you to practice using your voice, speaking up, sharing with me when I said something you didn't like, etc.!
Diverse Experience & Resourcefulness
I have been employed since my teens (Starting out as a trail guide on my families horse farm!).
At 21 I obtained my first job working in mental health.
Over the past 2 decades I have worked in MANY settings such as hospitals, colleges, detention centers, hospice, outpatient clinics, & primacy care settings. I have a passion to learn & share wisdom with those I serve, this diversity often becomes valuable in sessions!
Faith-filled & Strong Boundaries
I genuinely care for the people that I work with & I have strong faith that each person I see has the capacity to become all they were created to be, I have learned (the hard way!) that caring deeply for people MUST be balanced on foundation of strong boundaries for the protection of myself and those I serve.
This is an ethical responsibility, & I model these boundaries, as well as encourage my clients to develop them!
*Poor boundaries are an indication of unresolved trauma- We can work on that!*
Certifications, Specialty Trainings & Memberships
