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

What to Expect in Your First Session Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—relief, nervousness, curiosity, or even uncertainty about where to begin. My goal in our first session is to help you feel welcomed, respected, and supported from the moment we start. This initial meeting is not about pressure or perfection; it’s about creating a foundation for meaningful, effective work together. A Welcoming and Grounded Space Our first session begins with creating a comfortable and safe environment where you can show up exactly as you are. There is no “right” way to do therapy, and you are not expected to have everything figured out. I take care to move at your pace and to ensure that you feel heard and respected throughout the session. Building Connection and Trust A strong therapeutic relationship is essential to healing and growth. Early in the session, we’ll focus on building rapport and getting to know one another. I may ask open-ended questions about what brought you to therapy, what life has been feeling like lately, and what you hope might change. You are always in control of what you choose to share. Understanding Your Story I will conduct an initial assessment to better understand your background, current challenges, and goals. This includes exploring emotional, relational, and situational factors that may be impacting your well-being, as well as relevant mental health history, life stressors, or medical considerations. This is not an interrogation—it’s a way to see the bigger picture and understand what support will be most helpful for you. Clarifying Goals and Expectations Together, we’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy. Some clients come in with very clear goals, while others simply know that something isn’t working anymore. Both are completely okay. We’ll work collaboratively to clarify priorities and begin shaping realistic, meaningful goals that reflect your needs and values. What Therapy With Me Looks Like I will explain how the therapy process works, including session structure, confidentiality, and my general approach to treatment. This is also your opportunity to ask questions—about therapy, about me, or about anything that feels unclear. Transparency and collaboration are important to me, and I want you to feel informed and comfortable moving forward. A Nonjudgmental, Affirming Space A core part of my work is creating a therapeutic space that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and grounded in cultural humility. I recognize that identity, relationships, culture, and lived experiences shape how we move through the world. You are encouraged to speak freely, honestly, and without fear of being dismissed or misunderstood. Introducing Treatment Approaches Depending on your needs, I may begin to introduce therapeutic approaches or strategies that could support your goals. This might include cognitive-behavioral tools for anxiety or stress, strategies for emotional regulation or anger management, or other evidence-based interventions. Nothing is imposed—therapy is always a collaborative process. Planning the Next Steps As we wrap up the session, we’ll discuss next steps and what future sessions might focus on. This may include identifying areas to explore further, setting a general direction for treatment, or agreeing on small reflections or practices to consider between sessions. The goal is for you to leave with a sense of clarity and direction, not overwhelm. Leaving With Support and Hope By the end of the first session, my intention is that you feel heard, understood, and supported. Therapy is a process, and the first session is simply the beginning. Whether you’re seeking healing, growth, or relief from ongoing stress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. This first session lays the groundwork for a therapeutic relationship built on trust, collaboration, and care. I look forward to supporting you as you begin this journey.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets my work apart is my ability to combine emotional safety with clinical precision. I create a therapeutic space that is grounded, respectful, and steady—while also offering structure, insight, and strategies that lead to real change. Clients often describe working with me as both supportive and clarifying: a place where difficult truths can be explored without judgment and with clear direction. I do not shy away from complex or high-intensity work. My clinical background is forged in settings that required steadiness under pressure, including work with addiction, anger, domestic violence, and justice-involved youth. With advanced certifications in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC-I), Anger Management (CAMS), and Domestic Violence (CDVS), I am well-equipped to support clients navigating high-conflict relationships, emotional reactivity, legal involvement, and trauma-related patterns. You do not need to filter or minimize your experience in therapy with me—I am comfortable sitting with the full scope of what you bring. A key strength of my work is cultural fluency. I approach therapy with an understanding that identity, culture, family systems, and systemic stressors shape mental health in powerful ways. Fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, I work to ensure that language and cultural context are never barriers to care. Many clients appreciate that they do not need to translate their lived experience or explain cultural nuance in order to be understood. My experience spans a wide range of populations, from youth involved in the justice system to highly stressed professionals and executives managing significant responsibility. This range allows me to adapt my approach to your needs—whether you are seeking a grounded, compassionate space to process or a more direct, solution-focused approach to regain control and clarity. Clinically, I utilize evidence-based approaches including EMDR and exposure-based interventions to help clients move through trauma, anxiety, and deeply ingrained emotional responses. These methods are not about reliving pain—they are about helping the nervous system resolve what it has been holding onto, so you can experience greater calm, flexibility, and emotional freedom. I take care to introduce these approaches at a pace that feels safe and collaborative. Another core strength of my work is translating complexity into clarity. I do not hide behind jargon or ambiguity. I help clients understand why certain patterns exist and how we can work together to change them. Therapy is not meant to feel mysterious—it is meant to be empowering. Ultimately, my approach is client-centered, culturally responsive, and collaborative. I view clients not as problems to be fixed, but as capable individuals navigating difficult chapters. My role is to offer steadiness, skill, and thoughtful guidance as you move toward healing, resilience, and growth.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My Ideal Clients My practice is not one-size-fits-all. I work best with clients who need a therapist capable of holding space for complexity—whether that complexity comes from a high-pressure career, a marginalized identity, or a history of trauma. I am especially well-suited for clients who want depth, clarity, and forward movement in their therapeutic work. High-Functioning Professionals & Executives You are the one holding it all together. From the outside, you appear successful and composed, but internally you may be navigating burnout, anxiety, or imposter syndrome. I specialize in working with leaders and high-performing professionals who need a confidential space to set the armor down. Our work goes beyond venting; we use insight-driven, coaching-informed strategies to manage stress, restore balance, and reconnect with purpose. LGBTQ+ Individuals & People Living with HIV I work with clients who are seeking therapy where their identity does not need to be explained or defended. Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis, gender transition, family rejection, or simply want care that affirms who you are, my goal is to provide a space where you feel respected, understood, and supported. Therapy here is about integration, resilience, and living authentically—not fixing who you are. Breaking Cycles: Addiction, Anger & Conflict I am well-positioned to support individuals who want to interrupt patterns that feel overwhelming or out of control. With advanced training in addiction, anger management, and domestic violence, I help clients move away from shame and toward practical skills, accountability, and emotional regulation—at a pace that is both challenging and supportive. Youth & Families Navigating Systems I have a strong commitment to working with youth involved in the justice system and their families. These clients often need more than talk therapy; they need advocacy, structure, and tools for navigating systems that can feel unforgiving. My work focuses on skill-building, resilience, and helping young people reclaim authorship over their future. Couples & Families in Transition I work with couples and families who feel stuck in cycles of miscommunication, conflict, or disconnection. Whether navigating betrayal, major life transitions, or cultural differences, I help partners slow the process down, understand underlying dynamics, and rebuild healthier ways of relating. The Mindset I Work Best With Regardless of background, my ideal client is someone open to growth. You don’t need to have everything figured out—you just need a willingness to show up honestly. If you’re looking for a therapist who offers both compassion and clear feedback and who will actively partner with you in the work of change, we will likely be a strong fit.