Hey there, I’m Tori!
​​​Since then, I've been fortunate to build a practice that continues to be authentic to who I am as I continue to grow and evolve both as an individual and professional. I have focused my continuing education on a variety of topics, with the goal of providing trauma-informed care. I utilize an integrative approach of attachment-informed EMDR, a little bit of ACT, ego state and person-centered therapy, psychodynamic interventions, somatic work and focusing on your strengths as a client. I have continued to obtain consultation as I do this work.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at 479 Counseling in downtown Rogers Arkansas. I specialize in trauma-informed care while working with those who may be experiencing anxiety, grief, life transitions, identity exploration, LGBTQIA+ issues, recovering from trauma symptoms, relational issues and women's issues.
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I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2017 and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at The University of Central Arkansas at the end of 2019. Go bears! I began gaining some experience in the field as a graduate student in early 2018, working with children, teens, and their families in an inpatient hospital on both the acute and residential sides. I provided family, group, and individual therapy. After graduation, I began working with children, teens, and families in school-based community mental health during the pandemic. Later, I began working with teens, young adults, and adults in an outpatient practice for nearly two years.
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In late 2022, I decided to leap into the unknown and focus on my goal of having my own practice. I launched my practice in January of 2023. I created 479 Counseling to be LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcoming to all spiritual backgrounds, to be collaborative and compassionate, to be fun and relational, and to feel more holistic and non-clinical rather than medically driven.
My Professional Background
A Little Bit More About Me
In my spare time (and if its not freezing out), you can find me doing anything outdoors or moving my body. I love mountain biking, kayaking the Buffalo river, exploring trails, hiking, and camping. I enjoy this type of exercise, or weight lifting and yoga. I feel a sense of peace and the most present with myself when I'm immersed in nature. I also thoroughly enjoy gardening and get a sense of joy from keeping my plants alive and thriving.
When you come to my office, you'll likely notice my love for cats, music and traveling. But starting with the most important first-- my cats names are Katniss (yes, from Hunger Games), Ginger and Gypy. I love my fur kiddos and truly think if I could, I'd have a cat sanctuary one day. I like to think of myself as cat whisperer, I've always felt deeply connected to cats.
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I have some of my vinyl collection displayed and am constantly adding to it and switching out my display. With music, you may notice I have a wide variety of genres I like. I'm a big fan of Jazz, Billie Holiday has actually been my number one listened to artist on spotify for the last few years. You'll also see albums like "Blue Slide Park" and the "Riot" album, what I refer to as my "elder emo kid era." There isn't a ton of music that I don't like (except country- but 90s country is different). I love a good concert and am always checking out the Amp and other relatively close music venues for good shows.
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I also display my landscape pictures of my travels and my fur babies of course! If you look closely, you may notice many of my landscape pictures are of national parks. When I created my brand, I used some of the southwestern national parks as part of my inspiration. Zion National Park may be my favorite (so far), but I also absolutely love the PNW parks. It is my life goal to hike through all the national parks one day.
If I'm not outside in some form or fashion, you may catch me in an antique store (coffee in hand) or reading a good book. I enjoy fantasy and love an occasional good series to binge. I'm really into fantasy, true crime and thrillers. I enjoy the Marvel and DC universe but I can't say I'm entirely caught up with it either. When I have a healthy starter, I love to experiment with sourdough creations.
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EDUCATION
MS in Mental Health Counseling 2017-2019
University of Central Arkansas
Graduate school was where I began to gain experience in the field. I spent over a year in an inpatient facility, between acute and residential units. I worked with children ages 5-17 and their families and facilitated individual, group, and family therapy.
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BA in Psychology 2012-2017
University of Central Arkansas (UCA)
As an undergraduate, I began working closely with the graduate and undergraduate faculty in the psychology department. My mentors and professors truly motivated me to take steps to get my Masters's degree.
CREDENTIALS
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- March 2023)
Received LAC in March of 2020 and received LPC in March of 2023. Licensure and regulation through the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. License #P2303017.
Technology Assisted Certification
Completed technology-assisted course certification in March of 2020 and continue ongoing CE's.
EMDR Certified
Completed EMDR training and consultation through EMDR Support Network, an EMDRIA approved training program in the Summer of 2021. I continue to obtain ongoing CE's and consultation.
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
I completed all necessary requirements to be considered a National Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors including: required graduate coursework and education, post masters supervised experience, letters of recommendation, passing NCE and NCMHCE.
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MEMBERSHIPS
ArMHCA Member | ArCA Member | EMDRIA International Member.