LCSW, 20 years of experience
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly two decades of experience helping people navigate life's challenges. I work with teens, children, and adults who are dealing with stressors, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, relationship struggles or simply feeling stuck. My approach is compassionate and solution focused. I believe therapy should give tools, provide support and help you feels more in control in life. Together we work toward practical solutions and meaningful change. I utilize a blend of evidenced based therapies Cognitive Behavioral, Compassion Focused Therapy and Strength Based interventions tailored each person's unique needs. My sessions are collaborative, down to earth, and goal oriented. I believe therapy should feel like aa safe space that is a nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself while gaining skills to better handle emotions, relationships and stress. As someone experienced in both school-based and clinical settings. My goal is always help you feel heard, supported and equipped to handle life with greater confidence and resilience. If you are ready to create real, lasting change, I'm here to help you to get to the next step. My goal is to help you move from feeling overwhelmed and full of self doubt towards clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of self.
Our first session together is getting to know one another and figuring out how I can best help you. We'll talk about what lead you to seek therapy, what is going on in your life, what is hard right now and what you want to get better. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. I'll ask about what you are good at, what you enjoy, and what helps you feel better when things are tough. We'll think about you want to work on, like managing emotions, paying better attention, handling stress or getting along with others. I'll let you know what therapy will look like and what activities or strategies we might use and how we'll check progress together. I will answer any questions you have for me about therapy, how long sessions will last or how to deal with things that are difficult to manage.
I focus on strategies that clients can use immediately use in their daily lives. Therapy is not just about talking, it is about building real work skills that improve emotional regulation, focus, relationships and overall functioning. No two clients are the same. I tailor each session to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. You are an active participant in creating you treatment plan which increases engagement and long term results. I draw on proven therapies like Cognitive Behavioral, compassion Focused Therapy, and strength Based approaches. These methods are grounded in research and adapted to fit neurodivergent populations, including ADHD and Autism. With experience in school-based settings and clinical settings, I understand the interplay between home, school/work and personal life. This allows me to address challenges and help clients succeed. I provide empathy and understanding while also being practical and honest. I help clients set achievable goals and take actionable steps so therapy becomes meaningful and has lasting change.
I work best with clients who are motivated to understand themselves and want to try making meaningful changes, even when the work may feel challenging. I have successful experience working with children, teens and adults struggling with ADHD, Autism, emotional regulation, anxiety, school related challenges, life transitions, relationship challenges. I also have experience supporting caregivers who seek guidance on supporting children's emotional, behavioral or developmental needs. Clients who want practical strategies for communication, boundaries and at home management. Clients I serve are often feeling stuck, overwhelmed or misunderstood and are ready to engage in structured, practical approach to therapy. Together, we focus on goals like improving emotional regulation, managing ADHD or autism related challenges.
Begin session with mindfulness or grounding exercise. Explore what matters most to client, then we identify where avoidance show up in thought process or behaviors. Client commits to one small values based action using techniques of defusion exercises, values mapping etc.
Assist client in identifying thoughts, explore evidence in thought in life experiences, develop a balanced replacement thought and plan a small success building behavior to be completed before next session.
I provide a safe space for clients to express themselves with no judgement. I am a very compassionate therapist who values connection with my clients and expressing to client they should be compassionate to themselves and to others.