Quote that inspires Brook

“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” Henry David Thoreau

So many times we seek to always be happy which is unrealistic. Experiencing and sitting with a wide range of emotions brings long-lasting satisfaction.

Meet Brook!    Brook is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a child therapist with Step By Step Counseling.  She has been with us since 2014 and enjoys working with ages 2-12 years. With over 25 years of experience working with children, Brook’s first career was as an Early Childhood and Elementary Educator.  She has extensively studied the topics of attachment, play therapy, neurobiology, mindfulness, parenting and polyvagal theory.  Brook enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families.   
 

A few areas of interest are:

  • Attachment and Relationships
  • Fostercare & Adoption
  • Autism Spectrum (ASD)
  • Trauma
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Behavioral and Emotional concerns

 

Brook strongly believes in honest and open communication and will work collaboratively alongside children, parents and family members.  Brook has been most successful with clients who want to learn, and try new things.   She enjoys the “team effort” that comes with working with her families. 

Educational Background

Formal education

  • Bachelors of Science in Human Resources and Family Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University
  • Post-Graduate Studies – Psychological Examiner Lindenwood University

Certifications & Credentials

  • Registered Play Therapy – Supervisor
  • Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Level 1 & 2
  • Fiilial Therapy
  • Neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory
  • AutPlay
  • Theraplay®, Level 1 and MIM
  • Sandtray Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Basic and Advanced Training
  • Trust-Based Relational Intervention 101 (TBRI)
  • TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Continuing education:  IPNB (Interpersonal Neurobiology),
    CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy)
     

Articles or blogposts written by therapist

Fees & Payment Information

Fees:

  • Intake: 150/session
  • 53-60 minutes: 140/session
  • 40-45 minutes: 120/session
  • 20-25 minute session: 75/session
  • Sliding scale $90-150/session, depending on household income

Insurance:

  • Medicaid plans such as MoHealthNet, Homestate Health, Show me Healthy Kids, Healthy Blue, UHC-Community plan 
  • Commercial insurance: Optum, UHC, UMR, All Savers, Aetna, Meritain, Coventry, First Health, Healthlink
    • Please note:  Many plans no longer cover virtual sessions. Please confirm with your specific insurance company and your specific plan that Brook’s virtual sessions are covered.

Availability and Location

Location:

Get to know Brook!

Outside of the office Brook enjoys spending time with her furbaby Scout and watching the baby goats frolic on her family farm in Nebraska.  During time off, Brook enjoys traveling, especially with friends or family, to find Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo’s trolls,.  For recreation, Brook enjoys reading historical mysteries, decorating her house, searching for home decor and for recipes to try in the kitchen.  While this is cliché, she loves to learn and does a lot of reading and researching in the counseling & mental health field, she’s a wealth of knowledge!

 

Work with Brook!

Brook can be described as outspoken and authentic. Clients can expect unconditional positive regard, support, and a healthy line of communication.   Brook’s professional motivation came from her time as an educator, wanting to support her students more.   She sees her role as a therapist to help clients learn about themselves. Brook believes that there is power in relationships, and encourages families to be involved in their child’s therapy. The client’s parents have reported that she is knowledgeable and honest with her feedback. They have been appreciative of her backup plans and helpful resources.  If you are interested in working with her, please schedule through our online form.

 

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