Get to know me

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

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and intimidating. Many people arrive at their first session with mixed emotions—they may feel nervous about opening up to someone new, but also eager for relief from what they’ve been carrying. That’s completely natural. The first session is designed to meet you exactly where you are and give you a sense of direction right away. From the very beginning, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing what brought you here. Some clients come in with a very specific concern—such as constant worry, stress from caregiving, a recent breakup, or struggles at work. Others arrive with a more general feeling of being “off,” overwhelmed, or stuck. Whatever you bring into the room is welcome. There is no “wrong” starting point. We’ll begin by talking through what’s been most pressing for you. I’ll ask open questions about what you’ve been experiencing—your thoughts, emotions, daily challenges, and any patterns you’ve noticed. This helps me understand not only your struggles but also your strengths and the resources you already have. Often, just having the chance to speak openly about these things in a nonjudgmental space brings a sense of relief. As we talk, I’ll be listening closely for themes. Do you notice racing thoughts that keep you up at night? Do you find yourself overthinking conversations and doubting your decisions? Are you caring for others so much that you feel drained and resentful? Or perhaps you’re at a crossroads—like a job change, divorce, or empty nest—and wondering, “What now?” Together, we’ll begin to identify the specific issues that matter most to you and that you want to see change in. I use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in our early work. This means we won’t just talk about the problem—we’ll look at the patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. We’ll also explore small but meaningful shifts you can start making right away. For example, if anxiety leads you to catastrophize the future, we’ll practice techniques to challenge those thoughts and ground yourself in the present. If you feel trapped by relationship conflict, we’ll build communication strategies that help you express yourself more clearly and set healthier boundaries. The first session also includes space to set goals together. These aren’t rigid or overwhelming—they’re practical and flexible, tailored to what you

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

When clients come to therapy, they are often carrying more than they realize. They may describe themselves as anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, but underneath those words is a complicated mix of responsibilities, unspoken fears, and unmet needs. My greatest strength as a therapist is creating a space where those layers can be safely explored, untangled, and turned into meaningful breakthroughs. I believe therapy is not just about talking through problems but about equipping you with the awareness, strategies, and confidence to handle life more effectively. Over the past 25 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and coach, I’ve honed a practice that blends warmth with structure, compassion with evidence-based tools, and listening with active guidance. Clients often describe the space we create together as both calming and motivating—they feel deeply understood while also challenged to grow. Creating Safety and Connection: Many people arrive in therapy unsure of what to expect. Some worry they’ll be judged, or that their struggles aren’t “big enough” to warrant therapy. One of my strengths is the ability to quickly establish trust. From the very first session, I focus on creating a space that is nonjudgmental and grounded in empathy. This allows clients to share not only the obvious issues—like anxiety, stress, or conflict—but also the deeper emotions beneath them, such as shame, fear of failure, or grief that hasn’t been expressed. This sense of safety is essential because real change happens when people feel seen and accepted exactly as they are. When clients experience that level of acceptance, they often find the courage to explore parts of themselves they’ve kept hidden, sometimes for years. Translating Insight into Action: Insight alone is rarely enough. Many clients have already read self-help books, listened to podcasts, or talked to friends about their struggles, but they still feel stuck. My strength lies in bridging the gap between awareness and action. I use evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients recognize unhelpful patterns, challenge distorted thinking, and test out new behaviors in real life. For example, if a client notices that stress at work leads them to withdraw at home, we don’t just talk about the problem—we practice healthier coping strategies they can use during the week. If a client struggles with racing t

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I serve adults experiencing anxiety, life changes, or loss of direction. They want relief from stress, improved relationships, and practical tools to move forward.

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