I’m so glad you’re here

it’s so nice to virtually meet you!

MY FOCUS

A therapist, a learner, a listener

As a therapist, my focus is on providing inclusive care for women of all backgrounds, offering support for those who are facing challenges related to anxiety, trauma, substance use, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. My goal is to create a safe and empathetic environment where women can explore their experiences, heal, and build resilience. By addressing the unique needs of women, I strive to empower my clients on their journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth.

my values

  • As a mental health therapist, I deeply value empathy because it allows me to truly understand and connect with my clients on a personal level. By fostering a safe and compassionate space, I help clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. This empathy is the foundation for building trust and facilitating healing, as it enables me to offer support that is not only professional but also deeply human.

  • I value collaboration as a mental health therapist because it empowers clients to take an active role in their healing journey. By working together, we can create a therapeutic partnership where clients feel ownership over their progress and decisions. This collaborative approach fosters resilience, as clients develop the tools and confidence needed to navigate challenges both within and beyond therapy.

  • By being genuine and transparent with my clients, I create a space where they feel safe to do the same. Authenticity builds trust and allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection in therapy. It encourages clients to embrace their true selves, fostering personal growth and self-acceptance throughout the therapeutic process.

My Specialties

Sunnie is a dually licensed (mental health and addictions) therapist specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, anxiety disorders, substance use and co-occurring disorders. With a certification in Perinatal Mental Health, Sunnie is passionate about providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care all women. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women during the perinatal period, Sunnie is dedicated to supporting their mental and emotional well-being through a feminist approach that empowers and validates their experiences.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

B.A., Psychology & Neuroscience, Indiana University East, 2017
M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Indiana Wesleyan University, 2019

PhD., Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands, expected 2025

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Indiana (License: 39004200A)

  • Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, Indiana (License: 87001713A)

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Ohio (License: E.2404235)

  • Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH)

  • Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)

  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)

MY SPECIALTIES

  • At Sun Light Wellness, I specialize in treating anxiety in its various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, adjustment disorders, and addressing general fears and worries. For individuals struggling with GAD, I focus on helping them manage chronic worry, restlessness, and tension, offering tools to navigate uncertainty and stress. For panic disorder, I provide support in understanding and managing panic attacks, working through the intense physical and emotional symptoms that can feel overwhelming. With adjustment disorders, I help clients navigate life transitions and situational stressors, promoting resilience and healthy coping strategies. For those dealing with general fears and worries, I provide practical tools, grounded in mindfulness and evidence-based therapies, to help reduce anxiety and build confidence in facing everyday challenges.

  • I also specialize in addressing women's issues, offering support for challenges unique to women, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, identity struggles, and the impact of societal pressures. I provide a safe, inclusive space for women to explore these concerns and work through emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. Using a feminist and humanistic lens, I empower women to gain insight, build resilience, and navigate life’s complexities while honoring their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.

  • I specialize in treating trauma, recognizing how past experiences can deeply affect mental and emotional well-being. My trauma-informed approach helps clients process and heal from distressing events, whether they stem from childhood, relationships, or significant life changes. Using therapeutic techniques such as brainspotting, mindfulness, and other evidence-based interventions, I support clients in addressing the emotional and physiological effects of trauma. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space for clients to reclaim their sense of control, foster resilience, and move towards healing and empowerment.

  • I also specialize in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the emotional challenges of transitioning into motherhood. Recognizing the complexities of this stage, I offer compassionate support for mothers experiencing overwhelming emotions, helping them navigate the changes in their identity, relationships, and mental health. Through personalized care, I help women process difficult feelings, develop coping strategies, and find balance as they adjust to motherhood, fostering a healthier, more empowered sense of self during this critical time.

  • I specialize in treating co-occurring disorders, focusing on the intersection of mental health challenges and substance use. I understand how these issues can compound each other, and I provide integrated treatment to address both aspects simultaneously. My approach is holistic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to substance use while also supporting clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms and fostering long-term recovery. Through personalized care, I help clients regain balance, improve mental health, and move towards sustained well-being.

  • I also specialize in treating substance use in an outpatient setting, providing comprehensive support for individuals working toward recovery. By integrating mental health care with substance use treatment, I help clients address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to their use. In the outpatient setting, I offer a structured yet flexible approach, allowing clients to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving the therapeutic care needed for lasting recovery. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve sustained sobriety.