New to Grow
I’ve been a social worker for over 30 years and have had the privilege of helping individuals navigate challenges related to work, relationships, life transitions, stress, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy with the belief that meaningful change is possible when you’re willing to engage in the process and do the work. I also strongly value the therapeutic relationship, as trust, collaboration, and understanding are essential for gaining insight, building skills, and creating lasting positive change.
Your first session with me is focused on getting a clear understanding of what’s bringing you in and what you want to change. I’ll ask thoughtful questions about your current stressors, emotional health, relationships, work pressures, and any past experiences that may still be affecting you. This is also your time to see how it feels to talk with me — the therapeutic relationship matters, and I take that seriously. That first meeting is primarily about getting to know each other. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out or to dive deeper than you’re ready for. We’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy, how I typically work, and whether the fit feels right for both of us. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer sense of direction, realistic goals, and an understanding of how we can work together. Therapy works best when you’re willing to engage actively, reflect honestly, and apply what we discuss between sessions — that’s where real progress happens.
What tends to stand out in my work is depth of experience combined with a very practical, grounded approach to change. I’ve been a social worker for about three decades and have worked across multiple systems — county child welfare, a county hospital setting, inpatient psychiatric care, and outpatient therapy. That range means I’m comfortable working with complex situations, diverse cultural backgrounds, and people at very different stages of life. I’ve worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families facing everything from anxiety, depression, and relationship stress to trauma, major life transitions, and serious mental health challenges. That breadth helps me see the bigger picture quickly and tailor treatment in a way that fits the person rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model. Clients often appreciate that I balance compassion with honesty. I believe change is possible, but it takes engagement, accountability, and willingness to try new ways of coping. My approach integrates evidence-based methods with mind-body awareness, practical coping strategies, and real-world problem solving — so clients don’t just talk about issues, they learn how to manage them more effectively outside the therapy room.
I work best with clients who are open to self-reflection and willing to actively engage in the therapy process. I often support individuals dealing with work-related stress, relationship challenges, men’s issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. My approach integrates emotional, cognitive, and mind-body awareness, with the belief that lasting change happens when insight, practical skills, and personal effort come together. I focus on helping clients build resilience, improve emotional balance, and create meaningful, sustainable change in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a practical, evidence-based approach to help clients manage anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related symptoms, and life transitions. CBT focuses on understanding how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another and building healthier patterns. In my practice, I help clients identify unhelpful thinking, develop coping skills, and apply strategies between sessions. I often integrate mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques so treatment stays flexible, supportive, and focused on long-term resilience and emotional well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while staying focused on what truly matters to them. Rather than trying to eliminate distress, ACT emphasizes building acceptance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility. In my practice, I help clients clarify personal values, reduce avoidance patterns, and take meaningful steps toward growth, particularly when working with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related concerns, and life transitions.
Motivational Interviewing
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing to support clients who feel stuck, uncertain, or conflicted about change. This approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and helping clients clarify what truly matters to them without pressure or judgment. I use it to strengthen insight, increase confidence, and help clients take realistic steps toward goals involving mental health, relationships, personal growth, and lifestyle changes. The focus is on empowering clients to find their own reasons and momentum for lasting change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use Person-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. This approach emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to explore their experiences at their own pace. In my practice, I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship that fosters self-awareness, confidence, and personal growth while helping clients navigate emotional challenges, relationships, and life transitions.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients identify strengths, clarify goals, and focus on practical steps toward positive change. This approach emphasizes what is working rather than staying stuck on problems. In my practice, I help clients build on existing coping skills, recognize progress, and develop realistic strategies to address stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, anxiety, and mood challenges while promoting confidence and forward movement.