LCSW, 13 years of experience
Hello and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist specializing in working with middle-aged and older adults. I understand how daunting it can feel to find the right therapist among so many choices. In my own journey, I’ve experienced the profound challenges and rewards of caregiving, having cared for my father during his struggle with Lewy Body Dementia and my mother through her battle with COVID. Stepping away from my professional role during that time gave me a deeper appreciation for the emotional and physical demands of caregiving—and for the healing power of therapy. Those experiences profoundly shaped the way I practice today, allowing me to offer genuine empathy and informed guidance to those navigating life transitions, health changes, grief, and caregiving. I would be honored to walk alongside you as you face the complexities of aging and discover strength, resilience, and renewed purpose.
During our first session, my main goal is to create a comfortable and welcoming space where you feel heard and supported. We’ll begin by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from our work together. I’ll ask some gentle questions to learn more about your background, life experiences, and current challenges. This helps me get a clearer picture of who you are and how I can best support you. By the end of our session, we’ll start to outline a direction for therapy that feels both manageable and meaningful for you.
I understand the many layers of the aging process and the complex emotions that can accompany it. Drawing on both professional experience and specialized training, I support the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual changes that arise in this stage of life. I walk alongside individuals navigating life transitions—coping with grief and loss, managing caregiving stress, adjusting to shifting relationships, or facing changes in independence and identity. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental space to share your story, express your worries, and talk openly about the “what ifs” of the future. My style is compassionate, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I aim to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to approach this season of life with grace, meaning, and dignity.
I support middle-aged and older adults navigating major life transitions and the challenges that come with aging. This includes managing caregiving responsibilities, coping with grief or loss, adjusting to changes in independence, and navigating evolving relationships. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or social isolation, as well as those exploring questions of identity, purpose, and self-worth. My goal is to help you build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with confidence and a renewed sense of meaning.
Depending upon your goals, I often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) because it focuses on helping you accept your thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change or avoid them. This approach encourages you to identify your values and commit to actions that align with those values, even in the face of challenges. By fostering psychological flexibility, ACT helps you develop resilience and live a more meaningful life, allowing you to cope with difficulties while pursuing what truly matters to you.
I also use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach because it helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, we can work together to develop healthier thinking and coping strategies. CBT is structured and goal-oriented, making it effective for addressing specific issues and promoting lasting change. It empowers you to take an active role in your healing process, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and greater resilience.
A Person-Centered Therapy approach focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel understood and valued. This approach emphasizes your unique experiences and perspective, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. By fostering a genuine, non-judgmental relationship, I aim to empower you to find your own solutions and insights. This collaborative process can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.