LCSW, 24 years of experience
New to Grow
I have been working in the field for 25 years now. I believe that helping happens in a space where you feel seen, heard and genuinely accepted. Therapy isn't about fixing you it is about helping and understanding yourself more deeply and finding tools that actually work for your life. Whether you are feeling stuck or just needing someone to talk to who truly listens, I am here to walk along side of you.
Our first session will be like a mutual interview. You will be seeing if I am a good fit for you and I will be learning how to best support you. You don't have to share everything in the first session. You are allowed to take your time, ask questions and decide whether to continue. We will talk about your background information to help me better understand you. We will discuss what you are wanting out of therapy and set some goals. It is ok if you don't know what you want your goals to look like. We will work on that together.
My approach is grounded, compassionate and collaborative with no judgement and no pressure. Just real conversations that help you reconnect with yourself and move forward in a way that feels right for you. My style is relaxed and supportive with a touch of humor when it is welcomed. I know that reaching out for help can be scary so I work hard to create an environment where you can show up exactly as you are-messy feelings and all.
I work best with the 18+ population and helping them navigate through any topic. Individuals who are committed to improving themselves to make a lasting change in their lives. If you're ready to invest in your personal development and healing, then I'm here for you.
My experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) began with formal training, supervised clinical practice, ongoing education, and direct client work. In my clinical practice, I use CBT as a core framework for working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, and maladaptive thought patterns. I integrate CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and thought records to help clients build awareness of distorted thinking and develop more adaptive coping strategies. I also emphasize psychoeducation, helping clients understand the CBT model so they can actively participate in their own change process.
I have training and experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based approach that helps clients build psychological flexibility. In my practice, I use ACT to support people in clarifying their values, learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and taking committed action toward a more meaningful life.
I have training and experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT blends cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and acceptance practices, making it a highly effective model for helping people build stability and resilience. In my practice, I use DBT to teach and reinforce practical skills across four core areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills give clients tools to navigate overwhelming emotions, manage crises without making things worse, and improve their ability to communicate and maintain healthy relationships.
I have training and experience in Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative, client-centered approach designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. MI is particularly effective for individuals who feel ambivalent or uncertain about making changes in their lives, whether related to habits, health, relationships, or personal growth. In my practice, I use MI to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. Rather than pushing for change, I work alongside clients to explore their values, highlight their strengths, and gently examine the discrepancies between where they are now and where they’d like to be. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I help clients tap into their own reasons for change and develop confidence in their ability to take the next steps.
My work with solution-focused therapy grew out of my interest in helping people move toward change in ways that feel hopeful and empowering. Early in my training, I was drawn to the idea that therapy doesn’t always have to center around what’s wrong — it can also highlight strengths, resources, and possibilities. Personally, I found that approaching challenges with a focus on “what’s already working” or “what could be different” often brought clarity and motivation more quickly than dwelling on problems. In my practice, solution-focused therapy is woven into the way I collaborate with clients. I use it to: Clarify goals – working with clients to define what “better” looks like in concrete, achievable ways. Highlight strengths and resources – identifying past successes, existing coping strategies, and supportive relationships. Explore exceptions – noticing times when the problem was less intense or absent, and building on those moments. Use scaling questions – helping clients measure progress and recognize steps forward. Envision a preferred future – guiding clients to imagine life beyond the problem, and map out the small steps that lead there. I see solution-focused therapy as a way of empowering clients to recognize that they already have many of the tools they need for change. My role is to help shine a light on those resources, nurture hope, and co-create practical steps that move them closer to the life they want.