Get to know me

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

Starting therapy can feel uncertain. You might wonder what to say, whether you’ll be judged, or if it will even help. The first session isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s simply a chance for us to get to know each other. There’s no right or wrong way to show up. Before we meet, you’ll complete a few forms: consent, privacy, and a brief intake questionnaire. I know it’s not the most exciting part, but it helps me understand what brings you to therapy and what you hope to work on. We’ll go over any questions about confidentiality, insurance, or logistics at the start so you feel comfortable with how things work. When we first connect—whether online or in person—I’ll do my best to help you feel at ease. Some people dive right in, and others need time to warm up. Either is fine. I’ll explain how sessions work and invite you to share what brought you here. You can start wherever feels right—a specific issue, a general sense that something needs to change, or even “I’m not sure.” From there, we’ll explore what’s been happening in your life—your daily routine, relationships, stressors, and anything that feels important. My questions are meant to help me understand your story, not to interrogate you. We’ll talk about what’s been hard, what’s been helping, and what you want to be different. I’ll also check in about safety—whether you’re in crisis or dealing with anything urgent—so we can make sure you have the support you need. I’ll share a bit about how I work: I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness, but everything is personalized to you. Therapy is a collaboration, not something I do *to* you. You bring your experiences; I bring perspective and tools. Together, we figure out what’s most helpful. By the end of our session, we’ll talk about next steps—how often to meet, what to focus on first, and any strategies to try between sessions. You can also tell me how the session felt and what you need moving forward. You don’t need to come in with everything sorted out. You can be uncertain, overwhelmed, or just curious. My job isn’t to judge or fix you—it’s to understand you and help you find a way forward. The first session is just the beginning, and we’ll take it from there, one step at a time.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths is how deeply I care about understanding people. I listen closely—not just to what someone says, but to what they mean underneath the words. I try to meet people where they are, without judgment, and that allows others to open up and be honest. It’s not about fixing them; it’s about helping them feel seen, which is often what people need most before any real change can happen. Another strength is steadiness. I stay grounded, even when things feel chaotic or emotional. I can hold space for other people’s pain without getting swept away by it. That helps me think clearly and respond with calm, even when situations are difficult. I don’t shy away from hard feelings or conversations—I try to bring gentleness and curiosity to them instead. I’m also adaptable. Life never unfolds exactly as planned, and I’ve learned to adjust without losing sight of what matters. Whether I’m problem-solving in a session or handling something unexpected in my own life, I can pivot and find a new approach. I think that flexibility helps people feel like they don’t have to get everything “right” in order to make progress. Authenticity is another strength. I don’t try to be perfect or perform some version of what I think others expect. I show up as myself—imperfect, human, real. That honesty tends to make people feel safe to do the same. Finally, I have a quiet persistence. I don’t give up easily—on people, on goals, or on the idea that things can get better. I believe in growth, even when it’s slow or messy. That belief, and the willingness to stick with things, has carried me through a lot and helped me support others as they find their way, too. Altogether, my strengths aren’t flashy—they’re rooted in presence, empathy, steadiness, and trust in the process of change. They help me connect, stay balanced, and keep moving forward, both in my work and in my life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are people who are ready to be honest—with themselves and with me—even if they don’t yet know what they need. They’re often thoughtful, self-aware, and a little tired of holding everything together. Many come to therapy because they’ve been coping for a long time and something inside them is whispering that it’s time for things to change. They might feel anxious, disconnected, or weighed down by old patterns that no longer work. Sometimes they’re in the middle of a life transition—ending a relationship, changing careers, grieving a loss, or just realizing that the way they’ve been living doesn’t feel right anymore. I work best with people who want to understand themselves more deeply, not just get quick fixes. They might say, “I keep ending up in the same situations,” or “I don’t know why I react this way.” They’re curious, even if that curiosity comes with discomfort or fear. They want to figure out not only *what* is happening, but *why*. I appreciate clients who are willing to sit in the uncertainty of growth and trust that clarity will come with time. My ideal clients value realness. They don’t need a therapist who will sugarcoat things or deliver perfect answers—they want someone who will be honest, grounded, and human with them. They’re open to exploring the messy parts of life: the contradictions, the grief, the anger, the moments of shame. They’re not afraid to question the stories they’ve been told about who they are or who they “should” be. Many of my clients are people who have spent years taking care of everyone else—emotionally, mentally, or practically—and now realize they’ve lost touch with their own needs. Others are navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, or burnout. Some feel stuck between wanting change and being afraid of what that change might mean. They’re often kind, reflective, and strong in ways they don’t always recognize. I also connect deeply with clients who value emotional depth and authenticity over small talk. They may not always have the words, but they’re willing to try. They want therapy to be more than just coping strategies—they want it to feel meaningful and real. They understand that healing takes time and are willing to show up for that process, even when it’s uncomfortable. Ultimately, my ideal clients aren’t defined by a diagnosis or a particular life situation. They’re defined by a willingness to be present—to show up as they are, to be seen, to do the hard and hopeful work of understanding themselves. They may not always feel ready, but something in them is reaching toward growth. That spark, no matter how small, is what makes them an ideal fit. Together, we build a space where honesty, compassion, and curiosity can coexist. It’s not about perfection—it’s about finding a way to live with more awareness, connection, and peace. Those are the people I love working with most.

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