New to Grow
I am a licensed professional counselor who provides trauma-informed therapy. I work with individuals navigating trauma and everyday life stressors. My approach is rooted in person centered and trauma informed care. I believe healing happens first though a safe, genuine relationship where you can show up as your whole self. Whether that's parts of you that feel strong or parts that are hurting. In our work, I focus on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space while also integrating coping skills, emotional processing, trauma education, and exploration of patterns. Therapy with me is gentle, collaborative, and focused on helping you build understanding, stability, and self-trust.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, we’ll explore what is bringing you to therapy and what you are hoping to work on. My goal is to learn who you are as a person. We will talk about your concerns, your experiences, and what is feeling most important to you in the moment. I may ask questions to better understand what you are going through so that we can figure out together what will help you best. I also use this opportunity to learn about previous therapy experiences and what worked or didn't work for you. I want clients to always feel comfortable to tell me when something is not helpful for them. I want the therapy session to always be a place for you to feel in control, safe, and heard. The first session will be different than the following ones in that it may be more information focused. But after that, I want the sessions to be whatever you need them to be. Whether that's us deep diving into past experiences or simply just being in each other's presence. It is your time, and I want you to get what you need from it.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength is creating a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely understood, accepted, and safe from judgment. I believe empathy, authenticity, and human connection are central to healing. I show up as a real person in the room. There may be moments of sitting with difficult emotions, moments of laughter, times where we are just breathing through some things, etc. I work to show up as authentic as I can. That may look like me taking off my "therapist hat" and really sitting in the moment with you, before we try to make sense of it. I also enjoy incorporating creative expression when it fits, whether that’s visuals, journaling, or other hands-on ways of exploring what’s going on. For example, sometimes my clients like to draw as we talk or do coping skills that are more art related. I am by no means an artist or art therapist, but I will draw stick figures for you if that makes you feel better.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Clients who come to me are usually adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or haunted by past experiences. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity questions, life transitions, relationship concerns, or overall feeling disconnected with yourself. Maybe you just need someone to talk to who is open and will validate your experiences. Many clients I work with want to understand how their past experiences are influencing their present and how to break that hold. I do not really believe there's a perfect reason for therapy or an "ideal" client. What matters to me is the willingness to show up. From there we can work on whatever is there. As long as you are willing to come, I am there to help you as best I can.
Trauma Informed Care
I approach therapy with an understanding of how trauma impacts the brain, body, emotions, and relationships. I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel understood, empowered, and in control of your healing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I provide CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors that may be keeping them stuck. We will explore these thoughts, feelings, and actions and learn to replace them with more helpful and healthier ways of responding to stressful events.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma Focused- CBT to help support clients impacted by trauma. It combines coping skills, emotional regulation, and gradual processing of traumatic experiences to reduce trauma symptoms. We focus on safety, stabilization, and building a stronger sense of self after trauma.