The Person Behind the Practice
I'm Deirdre, and I'm here to help you heal from your anxiety, trauma and your past
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I am a therapist who believes in being a real human being with my clients.
My path into this work, specializing in trauma, anxiety and addiction has taught me that most of our "flaws" are actually survival skills. I've spent my career helping people realize that their perfectionism and chronic guilt aren't who they are. They're just how they learned to stay safe.
My Style
My approach to therapy is straightforward and collaborative. I believe you are the expert on your life, and my role is to help you map the patterns that keep you stuck. I do not rely on generic affirmations or cookie cutter solutions. Instead, I provide a space where you can let go of the need to impress or manage others and simply be honest about the weight you are carrying. My work is deeply rooted in science, using tools like EMDR or CPT to address the underlying trauma that fuels anxiety, people pleasing, perfectionism, and burnout. We will move beyond just managing symptoms to uncover the roots of your survival habits. Together, we will dismantle the fear that keeps you people pleasing so you can start reclaiming your energy, your boundaries, and your sense of self.
A Specialized Approach for the High-Achiever
My mission is clear: helping driven professionals navigate the complex intersection of high-pressure careers and hidden trauma. For over 9 years, I have specialized in guiding high-achievers who look like they have it all together on the outside, but are struggling with perfectionism, anxiety, or burnout underneath.
Using my "Mind-Body-Logic" framework—a highly effective integration of EMDR or CPT—we work together to process the root causes of distress without getting lost in endless talk therapy. This approach honors your intellect while safely addressing the nervous system.
Specific Ways I Can Help You
Over my nine years as a counselor, I've integrated powerful, effective methods to make sure you see real results:
Trauma Healing (CPT & EMDR)
Trauma can stick with us, but it doesn't have to define us. You have the choice between two effective options:
- CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy): Targets and helps change the negative, stuck thoughts that trauma leaves behind.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps your brain and body process difficult memories so they stop hurting in the present.
Virtual counseling is available for both options, and the final decision on which path to take is always up to you.
Anxiety Relief
Whether your anxiety is constant worry or panic attacks, I use a flexible toolkit of techniques tailored to calm your nervous system and give you back control.
Substance Use Recovery
Using substances is often a way to cope with underlying mental health pain. I integrate recovery work directly into our practice, using supportive techniques like Motivational Interviewing to help you move forward.
A Little About Me
I live and work right here in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Outside of the office, I'm a wife and mother to two wonderful children. My way to recharge is spending time with my family, watching comedies, and going on long walks with our chocolate Labrador, Penny.
Why I Do This
People often ask why I specialize in the area of mental health that I do. The truth is: I know that person, because I've been that person.
I spent a long time being the one who had it all together, the one who kept the peace, and the one who wouldn't dare make a scene. I know exactly what it feels like to have a loud inner critic that treats every minor mistake like a catastrophe.
I do this to help others find relief, because I have been there!
Education & Verified Credentials
- M.S. in Counseling: University of Mary, Fargo, North Dakota (2017)
- B.S. in Psychology: East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (2010)
Licenses
- LPCC: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (ND, MN, OH)
- LCMHC: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (UT)
- LADC: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MN)
Currently Licensed & Offering Telehealth Services In:
North Dakota (ND) | Minnesota (MN) | Ohio (OH) | Utah (UT)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your therapeutic philosophy?
I believe therapy should be straightforward, collaborative, and deeply rooted in science. My "Mind-Body-Logic" framework focuses on uncovering the root causes of distress—like hidden trauma that fuels perfectionism and burnout—using evidence-based tools like EMDR or CPT. You are the expert on your life; my role is to help you map the patterns that keep you stuck and guide you toward authentic healing without relying on generic affirmations.
How do I know if we are a good fit?
We are likely a great fit if you are a driven, high-functioning professional who looks like you have it all together on the outside but struggles with anxiety, people-pleasing, or the lasting impacts of past trauma on the inside. I provide a real, human space where you can drop the need to impress. If you're ready to do the deeper work to reclaim your energy and boundaries, we will work well together.
What states are you currently licensed to practice in?
I am a fully licensed telehealth therapist providing counseling services to residents of North Dakota (LPCC), Minnesota (LPCC, LADC), Ohio (LPCC), and Utah (LCMHC).
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit, or book a full Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation to begin your care immediately.
Schedule Your Free Consultation- EMDR:
- An evidence-based psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
- CPT:
- A specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.