LCMHC, 13 years of experience
During my career my clientele has included men, women, non-binary/gender nonconforming individuals, kids, and families with mental health, relational, and/or emotional issues. I have experience with all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as well as extensive experience with complex trauma. I have worked in community mental health as well with a non-profit organization that provides services to children and families who are involved with the foster care system. During treatment I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). These models are integrated or utilized based on the clinical needs of the individual.
The first session is all about getting to know you—your story, your struggles, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I’ll guide us through a conversation where we explore your history, current concerns, and how things are showing up for you day to day. We’ll talk about your symptoms, relationships, strengths, and any past experiences with therapy or mental health treatment. This session is also a chance for you to get to know me and see if I feel like a good fit for your needs. I’ll answer any questions you have about the therapy process, my approach, or what working together might look like. While the first session is more structured than typical therapy sessions, many clients say it feels like a natural, open conversation. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen and heard from the very beginning. By the end of the session, we’ll begin shaping a plan for treatment that fits your goals and preferences.
Life has its moments of feeling adrift and isolated, whether through loss, change, relationships, or societal shifts. Therapy offers a haven to explore what brings us purpose and connection. As a therapist, I find profound beauty in witnessing people's resilience—seeing them navigate through even the darkest times. Psychologist Robert Johnson's words capture my philosophy: "It's not too difficult to get the skeletons out of the closet with people, but to get the gold out is a different matter. That is therapy. Psychology is the Art of finding the gold of the spirit." My approach, rooted in collaboration, respect, and validation, remains consistent across various therapeutic models. If you're seeking a companion on your journey to uncover the "gold of the spirit," I would be honored to walk that path with you.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to take an honest look at their life and take meaningful steps toward healing. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain—and yet they’re motivated to do the work it takes to feel better. Whether this is their first time in therapy or they’ve been in treatment before, they are open to reflection, committed to growth, and willing to explore both insight and action. I work well with individuals who appreciate a balanced approach to therapy—one that blends warmth and validation with accountability and challenge. I integrate evidence-based models such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients build skills, process trauma, and move toward lasting change.
IEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences. I have utilized this model for 5 years and it has assisted my clients with a wide range of symptoms.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidenced based structured program of psychotherapy with a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships. I am intensively trained in DBT and have been using this model for 8 years and the skills in this model are some of my most utilized.