Hello, I am Keilah!
I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and have lived there most of my life. I ventured off in my early 20’s to live in Myrtle Beach, SC near my father where I bartended and waited tables for almost ten years. I was in and out of college as a young woman, but it just was not my time. I traveled, socialized, dreamed, and spent countless hours sitting in my beach chair with the waves crashing under me and my toes in the sand.
Why would you ever leave such a place? I get asked this question often. During those years I suffered my own break-in mental health and addictions and toxic, abusive relationships took over. It was a very dark time in my life but a necessary part of my journey. People often ask why therapists choose the career that they do… Because we all have a story and dark parts that take us down a path that can change our lives. I went down that path, stayed for a while, and then realized there was more to life. I felt that burning feeling that I was meant for more and I was good enough to live out my hopes and dreams.
My son was born, and that was it. I moved home and left the beach parties behind. I enrolled in college and stuck with it for five long years to get my bachelor’s in psychology. I knew a break would keep me stuck, so I pushed on and went straight to graduate school to get my master’s in counseling and addiction. I had my daughter along the way and met my husband, gained a stepson, two dogs, and a kitty.
My Mission…
I have worked for a variety of organizations during my schooling, by my choice. I wanted to get the most well-rounded experience and knowledge in all populations and ages. So I worked with the severely mentally ill population, home-based therapies with children and families, addiction treatment centers, women’s shelters for intimate partner violence and addiction, and private practice. I learned so much in every place I worked, and the client’s brought immense transparency about real life with mental illness. I worked with folks in their everyday struggles, which shaped me as a person and a therapist.
Despite all the opportunities and knowledge these various organizations offered me, I wanted to build my programs and help people on an integrated, holistic level with eclectic styles and the freedom to be creative and unique with each individual. So I learned how to run a business and opened my practice. And here we are today.
THREE PROFESSIONAL FACTS
1. I graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I continued my education at Indiana University and gained a master’s degree in education from the school of counseling, where I studied mental health and addiction.
2. I have dual licensure in both mental health and addiction in the state of Indiana. I have worked in community mental health, outpatient substance abuse facilities/programs, women’s shelters to focus on domestic violence and addiction, and private practice.
3. I am in the process of certification for EMDR and trained in CBT, DBT, Ego State, Polyvagal, and Mindfulness.
“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”
– BRENE BROWN
SIX PERSONAL FACTS
1. I love humor and laughter.
2. I love the outdoors (except in winter) to hike, camp, and my most favorite, the beach.
3. I spent several years living in Myrtle Beach, SC, and I love the ocean.
4. I am a pet owner of 2 dogs and a cat.
5. Some of my favorite movies and shows are Star Wars, Christmas Vacation, Anchorman, The Office, Interstellar.
6. I can also appreciate the darker sides of humanity and enjoy shows like The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.
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