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

Starting therapy is a courageous step, and I understand it can come with a mix of emotions—relief, hope, nervousness, or uncertainty. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you're returning after some time away, I want you to feel as comfortable, informed, and supported as possible. Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. Think of it as a conversation where I begin to understand who you are, what has brought you here, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. There’s no pressure to "have it all figured out" or to tell me everything at once. We’ll move at your pace. From the moment we meet—whether in person or online—my priority is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen and respected. I understand that talking to someone new about personal or painful experiences can feel vulnerable, and I want to honor that. You are in control of how much you choose to share, and I’ll always follow your lead. I’ll begin by welcoming you and briefly outlining what to expect during our time together. I may go over confidentiality and the limits of privacy, especially when it comes to safety concerns. My goal is to be as transparent as possible, so you feel informed and empowered from the very beginning. Much of the first session is about understanding your story. I might ask about: What led you to seek therapy right now Any particular challenges, symptoms, or life transitions you're facing Your goals for therapy—what you'd like to change, understand, or explore Key aspects of your background, such as relationships, family dynamics, work, and previous therapy experiences These questions are not an interrogation—think of them as a gentle framework to help us start connecting the dots together. If there's anything you’d rather not talk about right away (or ever), that’s completely okay. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, and your comfort is a central part of that process. Some people come into therapy with a clear goal—such as coping with anxiety, improving a relationship, or recovering from a loss. Others may just have a sense that something feels "off" or overwhelming, but they’re not exactly sure why. Either way is completely valid. We’ll work together to clarify what you want to get out of therapy. Your goals might evolve over time, and that’s normal. My job is to help you define what healing or progress looks like for you—not to impose a timeline or outcome. Therapy is your space, and I’m here to support you in navigating it with curiosity and compassion. There is no right or wrong way to do therapy. You don’t have to have a perfect narrative or explain everything clearly. It’s okay if you cry. It’s okay if you laugh. It’s okay if you sit in silence for a moment, unsure of what to say. This is a space for all of it—for the messy, the complicated, and the beautifully human. Sometimes, just showing up is the work—and that’s more than enough. At the end of our first session, we’ll review what we talked about and discuss next steps. I may offer some initial impressions or reflections if that feels helpful, or we might focus on how you felt during the session. If we both feel like it’s a good fit, we can talk about scheduling ongoing sessions and how often you'd like to meet (weekly, biweekly, etc.). If, for any reason, it doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s okay too. Finding the right therapist is important, and I’m always happy to offer referrals or guidance to help you find the support you need. For those who have experienced trauma or carry difficult past experiences, I bring a trauma-informed lens to all of my work. This means I prioritize safety, choice, and collaboration in every session. I won't push you to disclose anything before you're ready. You get to decide what you share, how you share it, and when. I’ll support you with grounding techniques or tools to manage strong emotions if they arise during or after sessions. If we’re meeting virtually, I’ll ensure our online space is just as intentional and connected as in-person therapy. I encourage you to find a quiet, private spot where you feel comfortable, and I’ll do the same. I’ll also be flexible if there are tech issues, distractions, or moments of disconnection—it’s all part of the process, and you won’t be judged for any of it. Therapy is a relationship. It takes time to build trust, and it's okay if you don't feel completely comfortable right away. I welcome your questions, feedback, and concerns at any point in our work together. If something isn't working for you—whether it's the pace, the focus, or even how I show up—I want to know. Your voice matters here. I’m not here to “fix” you—because you are not broken. I'm here to walk alongside you as you explore what healing, growth, and self-understanding can look like on your terms. Beginning therapy is a brave step, and I deeply respect anyone willing to begin this journey. Our first session is just the start—a doorway into a space where you can be your full self, explore your experiences with honesty and care, and begin to move toward the life you want. You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re ready, I’m here—and I look forward to meeting you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a mental health provider, I see therapy as more than a profession — it’s a relationship rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the deep responsibility and honor it is to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments. And while no two journeys are alike, I bring a consistent set of strengths to every client relationship, helping to create a space where healing and growth are truly possible.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who is ready—or at least willing—to look inward. You may not have all the answers yet, and that’s completely okay. You might feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck. What matters is that you’re open to exploring your inner world: your thoughts, feelings, memories, relationships, patterns, and the parts of yourself that are harder to look at. This doesn’t mean you need to come to therapy completely comfortable with self-reflection. In fact, it’s totally normal if parts of you are scared or resistant. But even with that, there’s a desire—however small—to understand yourself more fully and move toward something better, healthier, or more aligned. I’m here to walk alongside you on that path.