I love my work as a therapist and have dedicated many years of my life to reach my goal of private practice. My education includes a Bachelor's in Family and Child Development and a Master's degree in Marriage Couples and Family Counseling. My career has advanced from volunteer positions while I was in undergraduate school to now running my own private practice.
I began my career as a volunteer crisis hotline counselor talking to people who were scared, alone, and sometimes suicidal. I listened to them and tried to get them the help and support they were seeking. I also responded to the hospital to support people who had been victim of sexual assault.
I then became a sexual assault counselor at a crisis center where I worked with survivors in a peer counseling position. This crime is so deeply personal and hurtful. I was so glad to be able to help clients release shame and guilt and find calm and "normalcy". I also ran a group for male survivors, which was groundbreaking at that center. It was a powerful group and I plan to have such groups at Kauitzsch Counseling of Austin.
I was then an intern bereavement counselor at a Hospice Austin where I counseled those who had lost loved ones who had been in hospice care. Though grief was intense, I was able to bring some relief and peace through counseling. Together we found their new normal. I also ran a group for parents who had lost children, which was very difficult but very moving.
Later I became a crisis counselor in law enforcement working with victims of crime at the scenes of crimes. Here I experienced some of the most intense levels of trauma and crisis as it happened, but I got to help people begin their healing immediately. It was very powerful.
I have also worked in general counseling centers with clients experiencing various issues including gender identity, anxiety, depression, coming out, childhood issues, dating, couples and marriage issues, and so much more. I have also run groups for those who are transgender.
I am currently working on my EMDR certification as I continue my education through training and continuing education courses to stay current in the field and learn the cutting edge interventions for trauma, crisis, grief, gender and sexuality and other issues. I strive to be an excellent therapist and bring that expertice to all of my clients!