(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Desiree, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults who appear capable on the outside but internally struggle with chronic self-doubt, overthinking, and people-pleasing. Many of my clients worry they are “too much” or not good enough, even while managing a lot in their lives. In therapy, we focus on understanding these patterns and where they come from, while building self-trust, stronger boundaries, and more confidence in your decisions. My approach is relational and person-centered, and I see people as whole humans, not diagnoses. Clients often share that they feel comfortable opening up with me quickly and that they feel genuinely heard. I believe that kind of connection is a key part of meaningful change.
At the start of our first session, I’ll check in to see if you have any questions and briefly go over a few logistics, such as consent, confidentiality, and how telehealth works, so you know what to expect. From there, the focus is on getting to know you. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, your history, and the goals you have for yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time. We can take it at your pace and start wherever feels easiest. I’m also very aware that starting therapy, especially over telehealth, can feel a bit awkward at first. It’s not always easy to open up to someone you’ve just met, and I don’t expect you to share everything right away. Some people feel comfortable quickly, while others take more time, and both are completely normal. My goal is to meet you where you are and create a space that feels comfortable and manageable. If you tend to be more quiet or unsure of what to say, that’s okay too. I’ll guide the conversation when needed, while also giving you space to share in a way that feels natural. There’s no pressure to “do therapy the right way.” Over the first session or two, we’ll continue clarifying your goals and what you’d like to work on, and from there we can decide together what direction feels most helpful.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is the quality of the therapeutic relationship I build with clients. People often share that they feel comfortable opening up with me quickly and that they feel genuinely heard. I take that seriously. I don’t approach therapy from a place of judgment or assumption, and I don’t reduce people to diagnoses. I see each person as a whole human, and I show up that way too. I also have a strong ability to work with clients who function well in their lives but struggle internally with chronic self-doubt, overthinking, and people-pleasing. I understand how easy it is for these patterns to go unnoticed or minimized because things “look fine” from the outside. In our work, I help clients slow down enough to understand what’s actually happening internally, without overwhelming them or pushing them too quickly. I also have experience working with older adults who may be facing similar struggles alongside health changes, physical limitations, or shifts in independence. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in corporate roles in editing and project management. That experience shaped how I understand pressure, expectations, and what it’s like to carry a lot of responsibility while continuing to show up and function at a high level. It also helps me connect with clients who are used to performing at a high level but feel stuck in self-doubt and second-guessing themselves. My background has shaped how I support clients through heavy emotions and real-life stressors. I’ve worked in hospital settings, private practice, and as a travel social worker, which exposed me to a wide range of environments and situations. That experience allows me to stay present with uncertainty and emotional intensity without rushing to fix or label them. Clients don’t need to present themselves a certain way or have everything figured out in order to begin. I’m also trained in psychedelic preparation and integration. I help clients process what came up during their experiences, including emotional material, shifts in perspective, or difficult moments, and support them in applying what feels relevant. This work is not about chasing insight, but about helping clients integrate their experiences in their day-to-day lives. Overall, my approach is thoughtful, relational, and practical. I focus on helping clients build self-trust, understand their patterns, and make changes that feel sustainable rather than forced. Therapy with me is not about performin
You appear capable and composed. People rely on you. You show up and get things done. But internally, you replay conversations, question your decisions, and worry about disappointing others. You over-prepare. You rewrite texts and emails. You hesitate to set boundaries because you don’t want to hurt anyone or create conflict. With friends, family, romantic partners, and at work, you feel pressure to say the right thing and not take up too much space. You often wonder if you’re somehow too much and not enough at the same time. I work with adults who carry this weight every day. You may look fine on the outside but feel constantly unsure on the inside. Our sessions are a place where you don’t have to hold back or manage how you come across. You can say what you actually think and feel, without worrying about being "too much." If you’re preparing for or processing a psychedelic experience, I provide support that helps you explore what came up and figure out how it fits into your life. It’s not about making it all make sense right away. It’s about helping you connect it to what matters. I also bring experience working with older adults and caregivers, including support through the aging process, which can bring its own emotional complexity and internal pressure. You don't have to manage these heavy feelings alone.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
At the heart of my work is the belief that real change starts with a real therapeutic relationship. I show up as a human, not just a therapist. I listen with care, curiosity, and respect. Even through a screen, I work to create a space where you feel safe enough to speak honestly and supported enough to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. I believe the therapeutic relationship is what makes therapy effective, and I focus on building that trust from the start. Person-centered therapy allows us to move at your pace and follow what feels meaningful to you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT as a way to help clients notice the patterns that shape how they feel and move through the world. I started using it regularly while working in a neurology practice and still find it helpful today, especially for anxiety and stress. We look at the thoughts that show up, how they affect your mood and behavior, and where there might be room to shift something. It’s a practical tool, but I use it flexibly, never in a one-size-fits-all way. The goal is always to make your day-to-day life feel a little more manageable and less heavy.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I’m currently deepening my work with ACT through formal training, and I’ve already started weaving its ideas into sessions. I appreciate how ACT helps clients move away from fighting their thoughts and instead focus on what matters most to them. We look at how to make room for uncomfortable feelings while still taking steps toward a more meaningful and values-based life. Even when things feel messy or uncertain, ACT offers a way to stay connected to who you are and what you care about.
Strength-Based
In my work, I try to notice not just what feels hard for you but also what’s working, even if it’s small. Strength based therapy means we’re not only focusing on symptoms or problems. We also explore your values, your skills, and the ways you’ve gotten through difficult moments before. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or struggle. It means making space for your resilience and helping you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been overlooked. My goal is to support you in building a life that feels more aligned with who you are, not just who you think you’re supposed to be.
Compassion Focused
I often incorporate ideas from compassion focused work to help clients relate to themselves with more kindness and less judgment. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by self-criticism or shame. Together, we look at where those patterns started and explore new ways to respond that are rooted in care rather than pressure. The goal is not to erase discomfort but to shift how you meet it. Developing a more compassionate inner voice can open space for healing, clarity, and connection.