I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) for individuals managing chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and cognitive challenges, as well as aging adults with or without these concerns. My approach emphasizes taking a realistic and compassionate look at pain, memory issues, and other related symptoms, helping clients understand their experiences without fear or avoidance. Together, we develop a personalized plan that acknowledges these challenges while focusing on building resilience, improving cognitive and emotional functioning, and creating a meaningful, fulfilling life. I work with adults and older adults navigating life transitions, cognitive changes, and the emotional impact of aging, equipping them with the tools to adapt, regain control, and maintain independence at any stage of life. My research focuses on women’s health, autonomy, and decision-making in medical, relational, and workplace contexts. I am particularly interested in how gender role beliefs and power dynamics can influence health outcomes, self-advocacy, and access to care. This work informs my clinical practice by ensuring that therapy remains collaborative, respectful of autonomy, and attentive to the unique social pressures women and men may experience.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other in a comfortable, judgment-free space. I’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, your concerns, and your goals, but there’s no pressure to have everything figured out. We’ll take a realistic look at your experiences whether it’s pain, memory challenges, or life transitions and start exploring how they impact your daily life. From there, we’ll begin outlining a practical, personalized plan to help you move forward. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path ahead.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me unique is my ability to blend science with humility. I bring a diverse background in neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, and counseling psychology, but I also know that therapy isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about collaboration. I’m not afraid to admit when something isn’t working and adjust our approach to best meet your needs. As a researcher, I stay up to date on both solid empirical practices and emerging techniques, ensuring that my work is always rooted in the most effective, evidence-based methods. At the same time, I take a holistic approach, recognizing that true healing isn’t just about symptoms but also understanding the full picture of your emotions, thoughts, body, and environment. My goal is to provide therapy that is both deeply informed and deeply personal, helping you build a meaningful and sustainable path forward.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone who is ready to take an honest look at their experiences whether it’s pain, memory challenges, or life transitions and work toward meaningful change. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need a willingness to explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we will build a plan that acknowledges your challenges while focusing on what’s possible, helping you move forward with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) to support clients managing chronic pain and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Through CBT, I help clients recognize and reshape negative thought patterns, reduce catastrophizing, and build healthier coping strategies. CRT complements this by strengthening memory, attention, and executive functioning through structured cognitive exercises. My approach includes personalized strategies such as pain and thought tracking, guided relaxation, and cognitive restructuring techniques to foster emotional regulation and resilience. I also offer interactive support through structured sessions, educational resources, and individualized treatment plans to help clients apply these skills in their daily lives. For my aging clients, I tailor CBT-CRT interventions to address age-related cognitive and emotional challenges, including memory loss, chronic pain, and independence concerns. CBT helps manage anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties, while CRT enhances attention, organization, and problem-solving skills. I work closely with aging adults and caregivers to develop practical strategies that promote autonomy and improve overall well-being, ensuring that cognitive and emotional health remain a priority at every stage of life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients navigate chronic illness, physical health conditions, and life transitions with greater psychological flexibility. We will focus on helping individuals respond to difficult thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in healthier ways rather than trying to eliminate them. Instead of fighting pain, anxiety, or unwanted thoughts, we work on changing the relationship to those experiences so they have less control over daily life. Clients learn practical skills such as mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and values clarification to support meaningful action even when discomfort is present. For individuals managing chronic pain, medical diagnoses, or age-related cognitive changes, ACT supports resilience and autonomy. We examine patterns of avoidance, health anxiety, or identity shifts that may be limiting engagement in life. Treatment centers on identifying core values such as family, faith, purpose, and contribution, then building consistent actions aligned with those values. I collaborate with clients and, when appropriate, caregivers to develop practical strategies that strengthen independence, emotional regulation, and long-term well-being across the lifespan.
Strength-Based
I use a Strengths-Based approach to identify and build upon each client’s existing abilities, values, and internal resources. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or deficits, we examine patterns of resilience, problem-solving, faith, relational supports, and past successes that can be leveraged in treatment. This approach does not minimize real challenges such as chronic pain, cognitive changes, or medical diagnoses. Instead, it ensures that growth is anchored in what is already working. For individuals managing physical health conditions, aging-related concerns, or major life transitions, we focus on preserving autonomy, dignity, and competence.