Get to know me

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

🧭 What to Expect in Our First Session The first session is focused on building a safe connection, understanding your unique situation, and creating a path forward. 🔑 Our Goals for Session One: Safety and Comfort: We will start with a warm welcome and a quick review of confidentiality and logistics to ensure you feel secure and informed. Getting to Know You: You will have time to share what brought you to therapy. We will discuss your current challenges (whether for yourself, your child, or your family) and review your relevant history. Collaborative Goal Setting: We will work together to define what success looks like for you. We will leave the session with clear, initial steps and a plan for our future work. For Families: The first session is often dedicated to the parents/caregivers to gather essential history and create a secure plan before the child fully engages in the therapeutic process. The goal is for you to walk away feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the progress we can make together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

💪 My Greatest Strengths as a Therapist My practice is built on a foundation of empathy, practical application, and dedication to safety. The strengths I bring to our work together include: Practical, Skill-Based Focus: I don't just talk about problems; I teach actionable coping strategies and provide the tools you need to see real change outside of our sessions. This is especially true in Parent-Coaching and Child Interactive Therapy, where we use psychoeducation and role-play to apply skills immediately. Expertise in Complex Trauma: I possess significant experience and training in helping individuals and families heal from trauma, domestic violence, and narcissistic abuse. My focus is on creating a secure, non-judgmental space for recovery. Developmental Insight: As a school therapist working with young children (K-2), I have a deep understanding of child development and family dynamics. This background allows me to tailor treatment to the exact stage of life for children, teens, and adults. Approachability and Warmth: I strive to be genuinely inviting and accessible. I know starting therapy is a big step, and I prioritize building a strong, comfortable, and safe therapeutic relationship from our very first meeting.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

1. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Young Children Profile: Parents seeking tools for managing a young child's (K-2 and preschool age) challenging behaviors, anxiety, or difficulties adjusting to school/family transitions. Key Interest: Parent-Coaching and Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT-informed models) to improve the parent-child relationship and reduce conflict at home. Why You're Ideal: Your background as a salaried school therapist in K-2 gives you direct, current insight into the challenges of this age group and the school environment, making you highly credible to parents. 2. 💔 Survivors of Relational Trauma Profile: Adults, particularly women, who are dealing with the aftermath of narcissistic abuse or domestic violence/abuse. Key Interest: A safe, non-judgmental space to process trauma, rebuild self-esteem, set boundaries, and address associated symptoms like depression and toxic stress. Why You're Ideal: Your explicit experience in these sensitive, complex areas means clients searching specifically for trauma-informed recovery will see you as a knowledgeable and specialized resource. 3. 🧠 Teens in Crisis Profile: Adolescents and their families navigating issues like self-harm, suicidal ideation, severe bullying, or overwhelming relationship difficulties. Key Interest: Direct, compassionate intervention, and practical strategies to manage intense emotions and increase safety, along with support for the parents. Why You're Ideal: You have experience with the highest-risk behaviors in this age group, signaling a capability to handle serious mental health crises. 4. 😔 Adults Seeking Individual Support Profile: Individuals, often women, grappling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, or difficulties in their current relationships (unrelated to abuse, though your trauma skills are beneficial). Key Interest: Practical, goal-oriented therapy to manage symptoms of depression, improve communication, and gain skills for greater growth and connection. Why You're Ideal: Your skills in psychoeducation and practical application are very appealing to adults who want more than just talk therapy—they want concrete tools.