Welcome! My name is MaryBeth, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee and Professional Clinical Counselor trainee at Horizon Counseling Center.
I believe therapy begins with creating a safe and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to meet each person where they are and work collaboratively with them as they build confidence, recognize their strengths, and move toward meaningful change.
Before beginning my clinical training, I spent more than 20 years working in education, primarily supporting children and young adults with disabilities and diverse learning needs. I have worked with students from preschool through young adulthood in special education, one-on-one support, and school counseling settings. Through this work, I have developed a strong understanding of the educational system, including IEPs, 504 Plans, behavioral supports, crisis intervention, and collaboration with families, educators, and community professionals.
My experiences in education have strengthened my passion for advocacy and taught me the importance of recognizing each person’s individual strengths. I understand that challenges at school can affect a child’s confidence, behavior, relationships, and emotional well-being. I also recognize the stress families may experience while navigating educational and community systems and advocating for their child’s needs.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client’s individual needs. As I continue my clinical training, I am especially interested in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and play-based approaches that allow children to express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
I hold master’s degrees in Special Education and Education with a specialization in School Counseling, as well as a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling. I am currently earning my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at National University, where I am training toward becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I receive ongoing clinical supervision from Ashley Barnes-Brown, LMFT, to support ethical, compassionate, and effective care.
I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are unsure of what to expect. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my hope is to create a space where you feel respected, encouraged, and comfortable being yourself. I would be honored to support you as you work toward healing, resilience, and personal growth.
