Hello there! My name is Dena and I am so excited to welcome you. I am a person-centered, humanistic counselor who meets clients where they are in the present moment. I am here to meet you with acceptance, warmth, and empathy to embark on the therapeutic process. Together challenges are identified and explored, and change is created. I am here for every step along the way as you venture towards healing. My approach is integrated and dynamic, and I pull from various modalities. I enjoy blends of cognitive behavioral, psychotherapy, narrative, and here-and-now practices.
I am a graduate of Kutztown University and hold a master’s in Professional School Counseling with Licensure. I am working on licensure hours with the supervision of the Restore Counseling team to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Before joining Restore Counseling, I worked as a Professional School Counselor in both the high school and middle school setting for seven years. I worked in both rural and suburban environments in different parts of the country; I supported the academic, personal, and social needs of those I served, conducting individual and small group counseling, as well as large group instruction. I have experience targeting the areas of stress reduction, suicidal thoughts, identity development, family changes, grief and loss, healthy lifestyles, executive functioning, sadness/depression, body and self-image, and feeling and emotional awareness.
My current role as a school-based therapist for Ephrata Area School District has allowed me to expand on my experience and provide trauma-informed care and healing to young clients. When I am not at work I can be found outside, preferably hiking or paddling, traveling, or at the nearest coffee shop.