Get to know me

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

Starting therapy can bring up a range of emotions—hope, curiosity, nervousness, and even uncertainty. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, it’s completely normal to have questions about what the first session will be like. This initial appointment, often referred to as the "intake session," is a structured time for us to get to know one another, begin to build trust, and lay the foundation for the work ahead. First and foremost, the session is a space for you to feel safe, heard, and respected. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can feel as comfortable as possible sharing what’s brought you to therapy. Whether you're coming in as an individual or as a couple, I will take the time to learn about what you’ve been experiencing and what you’re hoping to gain from our work together. The first session is more of a conversation than a deep dive into therapy work—think of it as an information exchange. I’ll ask a number of questions to get a better understanding of your current concerns and your background. These may include: What led you to seek therapy now? What challenges or patterns have you been experiencing? Have you had any previous therapy or support experiences? What’s your current support system like? In couples sessions: What are the main concerns in your relationship right now? What would each of you like to improve or better understand? We’ll also discuss your goals for therapy. These can be broad at first, especially if you’re still figuring things out—and that’s completely okay. We’ll work together to clarify and define your goals as we go. This helps ensure our work stays aligned with what feels most meaningful and helpful to you. Just as I’ll be learning about you, the first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process. This might include how therapy works, the approaches I use, what confidentiality looks like, or how progress is measured. You're encouraged to speak openly—your comfort and understanding are important parts of this process. If at any point you’re unsure, please know that we can slow down, pause, or revisit any part of the conversation. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your voice matters every step of the way. Toward the end of the session, we’ll talk about whether continuing therapy feels like a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we’ll discuss what ongoing sessions might look like—how of

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

With over two decades of experience in the field of mental health, I bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and adaptability to the work I do with clients. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals and families in a wide range of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities. This broad scope of experience has helped me develop a deep understanding of the diverse challenges people face and the many paths to healing and growth. One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to meet clients where they are—with empathy, respect, and without judgment. I believe that every person has inherent strengths, even in their most difficult moments, and I work collaboratively with clients to build on those strengths to move toward meaningful change. Whether someone is dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or navigating a major life transition, I offer a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth. My approach is rooted in a strengths-based perspective, which means I focus on what’s going right as much as on what’s going wrong. I help clients recognize their own resilience, gain insight into their patterns, and develop practical tools for coping and thriving. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor my approach to best suit each client’s unique personality, history, and goals. I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities to ensure that treatment is personalized, meaningful, and effective. Flexibility is also a cornerstone of my practice—both in scheduling and in the therapeutic process itself. I understand that life can be unpredictable and that healing doesn’t always follow a straight line. I work with clients to create realistic, manageable goals, and I’m comfortable adjusting the pace and direction of therapy as needed to ensure we stay aligned with what feels most helpful and relevant. Above all, I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I recognize that reaching out for help is a courageous step, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside those who choose to invest in their mental and emotional well-being. My commitment is to provide high-quality, compassionate care that empowers each individual to live a fuller, healthier life—on their own terms.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

As a mental health therapist, I specialize in supporting individual clients and couples who are seeking meaningful change, emotional relief, and a greater sense of self and connection in their lives. I primarily work with teens (ages 13 and up), adults, and couples who are navigating challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-worth, or relationship distress. Many of the individuals I work with find themselves overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness, worry, fear, or emotional numbness. These symptoms can often feel isolating or even confusing—especially when others don’t quite seem to understand what they’re going through. Some are experiencing major life transitions, while others are living with the lingering effects of past trauma or long-standing patterns of self-doubt and negative self-talk. Whether someone is just beginning to explore these feelings or has been carrying them for a long time, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to help them make sense of their experiences and begin moving toward healing. I also work with teens who are struggling with emotional ups and downs, self-esteem issues, school or peer stress, and difficulty regulating their feelings or behavior. Adolescence is a time of intense growth, and having a trusted adult outside of family to talk with can make a real difference. I aim to offer that space—a place where young people can feel heard, respected, and supported as they navigate the pressures of growing up. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples who feel stuck in cycles of conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding. Often, these couples still care deeply for one another but have lost touch with how to communicate effectively, express empathy, or feel close again. Whether the relationship has been strained by stress, past hurt, or simply the demands of daily life, I help couples slow things down, hear each other more clearly, and rebuild a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and emotional connection. Across all of my work, I bring a strengths-based perspective that honors each client’s resilience, even when they don’t feel strong. I tailor therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each person or couple, knowing that healing is never one-size-fits-all. Together, we work collaboratively to understand what’s not working, identify patterns or beliefs that may be holding them back, and explore new tools, insights, and ways of relating to themselves and others. Whether you are feelin