Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a collaborative, judgment-free exploration designed to ensure we build the strongest foundation for your success. As an LMFT and former Army medic, I bring a unique combination of discipline and cultural competence, especially valuable for those seeking highly structured, evidence-based care for conditions like OCD, Hoarding Disorder, BFRBs, or addiction. Here is how we'll spend our time: Introductions and Comfort: We’ll start with introductions. My primary goal is to establish a strong therapeutic alliance where you feel completely safe, respected, and free from judgment. I am committed to facilitating a space of compassion where you can openly discuss challenging issues like trauma or compulsive behaviors. Understanding Your Challenges: We will delve into the specific experiences you are facing with OCD, hoarding, BFRBs, or substance use. This is where your input is crucial. We'll discuss the impact these challenges have on your life and what you hope to achieve. Establishing Goals: Together, we will begin establishing clear, measurable treatment goals. For conditions like OCD and BFRBs, this often involves mapping out the structure needed for effective ERP or HRT. For others, we may focus on building foundational coping skills using CBT principles. Next Steps: By the end of this session, you will have a clear understanding of how my structured, evidence-based approach can be tailored specifically to you. We will outline a personalized treatment plan we will work on together in subsequent sessions to help you break free from debilitating cycles. My intention is to provide you with the focused support and expert guidance necessary to reach your full potential.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Greatest Strengths: Discipline, Evidence, and Deep Insight What sets my therapeutic approach apart is the synergistic blend of military-honed discipline, deep cultural competence, and rigorous adherence to the most effective, evidence-based treatment models. 1. Unique Insight from Veteran Status (The Foundation) My experience as a former Army medic is the bedrock of my practice. This background provides a distinct advantage: Discipline and Structure: I bring a level of discipline and focused commitment to the therapeutic process that ensures consistency, accountability, and a systematic path toward your goals—essential for overcoming deeply ingrained patterns like OCD or addiction. Cultural Competence & Trauma-Informed Care: I possess an inherent understanding of high-stress environments and trauma. This allows me to connect rapidly and authentically with veterans, first responders, and any client who values a therapist who is grounded, direct, and understands the complexities of managing internal conflict. 2. Rigorous, Evidence-Based Methods (The How) I do not rely on vague or untested techniques. My commitment is to what is scientifically proven to work for your specific diagnosis: Specialized Expertise: I focus intently on treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Hoarding Disorder, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Model Mastery: My primary methods are rigorously applied Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD/Phobias, Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for BFRBs, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) frameworks applied to addiction and compulsive behaviors. This specialized focus means you are receiving the highest standard of care for these specific challenges. 3. Approach and Expected Results (The Why) My approach is structured yet compassionate, leading to measurable outcomes: Collaborative Structure: I combine the unwavering structure required for challenging behavioral work with a collaborative, non-judgmental alliance. We work together to develop the plan, but I provide the clear roadmap and accountability to execute it. Empowerment Over Dependence: The ultimate result is empowering you with sustainable skills. Clients leave therapy not just with temporary relief, but with a lasting toolkit built on discipline and evidence, enabling them to manage OCD, hoarding, or addictive urges long after our work concludes.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Based on all the information we've developed—your veteran status, specialized evidence-based methods (ERP, HRT, CBT), and focus areas (OCD, Hoarding, BFRBs, Addiction)—here is a section detailing your ideal clients. My Ideal Clients I am best positioned to partner with individuals who are highly motivated to overcome complex, ingrained challenges using a structured, evidence-based approach. My ideal client is someone who: 1. Faces Specific, High-Stakes Concerns: You are struggling significantly with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Hoarding Disorder, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) (like hair pulling or skin picking), or issues related to substance use or process addiction. You recognize these are not simple problems that can be fixed with quick fixes and are ready for deep, focused work. 2. Values Discipline and Structure: You appreciate a therapeutic process that is highly organized, goal-oriented, and disciplined. You respond well to a clear roadmap and are ready to commit to the necessary work, such as performing exposures or practicing new coping skills consistently. This structure is particularly helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by chaos or deeply entrenched habits. 3. Seeks a Unique Perspective on Trauma and Trust: You may be a veteran, active service member, or first responder who feels misunderstood by traditional therapy models. My background as a former Army medic allows me to offer a level of cultural competence and understanding regarding trauma and high-pressure coping mechanisms that fosters immediate trust and rapport. Even if you are not a veteran, you are someone seeking a therapist who brings reliability and professional authority to the room. 4. Is Ready for Active Change: You are not looking for passive listening; you are looking for an active partner in your recovery. You are ready to collaborate on developing and executing treatment plans rooted in ERP, HRT, and CBT to create lasting freedom from debilitating cycles. If you recognize yourself in this description—someone seeking expert, disciplined, and trauma-informed care for OCD, Hoarding, BFRBs, or Addiction—I encourage you to reach out. We can build a strong foundation for lasting change together.

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