Get to know me

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

Our first session is all about creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and heard. I know starting therapy can be both exciting and intimidating, so I focus on setting a tone of calm, compassion, and curiosity. We’ll begin by talking about what brought you here—your current struggles, what you’d like to see change, and what you hope therapy will help you achieve. I’ll also ask about your background, important relationships, and any past therapy experiences, but always at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay—many clients come in with only a sense that “something needs to change,” and we can begin right there. This first meeting is less about jumping straight into “fixing” and more about understanding you as a whole person. I’ll share a bit about how I work—using trauma-informed care, attachment theory, DBT skills, and emotionally focused approaches. We’ll also discuss any faith, values, or cultural aspects you’d like honored in therapy. You can expect the session to feel collaborative. I’ll listen closely, reflect what I hear, and ask gentle questions that help bring clarity. By the end of the session, we’ll identify a few initial goals together and decide what your next steps in therapy might look like. Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out most about my work is my ability to bring together scientific understanding, personal compassion, and cultural awareness in the therapy room. My background in forensic and biomedical research gave me a unique perspective on how stress, trauma, and loss affect both the body and the mind. This informs my holistic, whole-body approach to healing. I have deep experience helping people navigate trauma—whether it stems from childhood, relationships, or the intense environments of first responder and high-stress careers. Clients often tell me they feel truly understood for the first time, especially when discussing experiences others might shy away from. Another strength is my focus on relationships and attachment. Whether you’re a couple looking to rebuild connection, a parent learning to support a child with unique needs, or an individual coping with the fallout of dysfunctional family patterns, I help uncover the deeper cycles that keep people stuck and guide them toward healthier, more secure bonds. I am also faith-affirming, culturally sensitive, and supportive of traditional family values, while remaining open and inclusive. I respect the role that spirituality, culture, and values play in shaping a person’s identity and healing journey. Finally, I am practical. Clients don’t just leave with insight—they leave with skills. Through DBT, mindfulness, and EFT tools, I help people learn concrete ways to manage emotions, communicate more effectively, and bring their inner and outer worlds into alignment with their values.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with people who want to strengthen their relationships—whether with a partner, their family, or themselves. Many of my clients are couples who feel stuck in painful cycles. Some are navigating the aftermath of betrayal, guilt, or shame. Others simply want to improve their communication and rediscover closeness. In our work together, I help partners identify the patterns that keep them disconnected, rebuild trust, and create more secure and loving bonds. I also work with parents and caregivers who often carry invisible weight. This may be parents of children with autism, partners of individuals with personality disorders, or caregivers of aging or disabled loved ones. These clients frequently put others first and end up feeling exhausted, unseen, or disconnected from their own needs. Therapy becomes a space to acknowledge their struggles, restore balance, and find healthier ways to care for themselves while caring for others. I also see individuals who may not fit into these categories but are navigating transitions, stress, or patterns they want to change. This includes those healing from childhood or relational trauma, professionals facing high-pressure careers, or anyone who feels misaligned between who they are and how they’re living. These clients often want to become more mindful, better at understanding and managing their emotions, and more aligned with their values. Whether you are an individual, part of a couple, or in a caregiving role, my ideal clients share a desire to grow in their capacity for connection, resilience, and wholeness.