Becoming a Therapist 🌿
“Healing begins when you start having honest conversations with yourself.”
-Ash Alves
My journey to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) has been one of dedication, purpose, and heart with almost eight years in the making at Northern Illinois University.
I began my studies in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Psychology and Military Science. Those early years shaped how I see people — not as problems to solve, but as stories to understand.
After graduating, I continued my education at NIU for my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, where I spent countless hours in the classroom, working with clients and practing at my hospital internship, where I now work PRN. I even gained experience on a Research Team studying communication, trauma, and resilience.
During my master’s program, I had the privilege of presenting at professional conferences and over all contributing to conversations about family systems, culture, and mental health in both military and civilian context.
Today, I’m an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) — continuing my clinical hours, supervision, and training as I work toward full licensure. I’ve had the opportunity to support individuals, couples, and families across diverse backgrounds — from community clinics, group homes and inpatient hospital settings.
My passion lies at the intersection of mental health and military life. I desire to help service members, veterans, and their loved ones find healing through connection, communication, and compassion.
Whether I’m in session, writing a letter for Love, Jamye, or sharing a story through That Reserve CPT, my goal is the same: to remind people they are not alone.
🌻 Therapy taught me that growth isn’t linear — but it’s always worth it.