My Training and Educational Background

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Oregon. I previously practiced as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and I am Level 1 trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling. I share this so you understand the depth of training I've received that shapes the way I listen and what I am able to see within my clients, not because that license or certification is active here. I'm not currently practicing as a licensed counselor, and I don't provide counseling, psychotherapy, or any clinical mental health service through Mainichi Mentorship. My mentorship approach is primarily grounded in the training I received working in the mentorship program at the non-profit Sponsors, Inc., where I assisted ex-incarcerated folks in re-entry, utilizing Motivational Interviewing, values exploration, and mindset shifting skills, along with building essential life skills that are tailored to the way you are wired.

After several years in the mental health field, including intensive work with high-acuity clients navigating PTSD, addiction, personality disorders, and other trauma-related concerns, I made the decision to retire from clinical practice and licensure. This was a deliberate, permanent shift in how I wanted to continue to work within the realm of the helping professions, not a step away that I intend to reverse. Mentorship allows me to keep doing meaningful work in a way that fits my strengths: I work best in an active, experiential style, often with people who are already past the "thinking about it" stage and ready to try new approaches, take direct feedback, and move toward concrete goals. This is the domain and role in which I know I personally thrive and achieve thriving results with clients as well.