I am a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky in the Department of Education and the Center for Research on Counseling Education. My research focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a specific focus on understudied populations. I believe that when a counselor recognizes the more significant contextual issues which affect the client's well-being, advocacy in combination with behavioral therapy can be an appropriate intervention for the client.
Additional specialities include counseling education for: adjustment to chronic illness and disability, autoimmune disorders, autonomic dysfunction, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, OCD, generalized anxiety, and major depression.
Each experience thus far has taught me the importance of real communication in higher education. I am intrigued by the individuals I have encountered; I marvel at unique stories, and I appreciate how each person is validated and empowered in exchange for sharing his/her history.