In our first session together, here's what you can expect

What to Expect in Your First Session Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and even nervousness. My goal in our first session is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel comfortable sharing as much—or as little—as you’re ready to share. Think of this session as the beginning of a collaborative journey, where we take the time to understand your experiences, concerns, and goals for therapy. Getting to Know Each Other Our first session is primarily about getting to know each other. I’ll ask you questions about your background, current challenges, and what brings you to therapy, but there’s no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. I approach each session with compassion and curiosity, and I’ll listen closely to understand your experiences from your perspective. This is your time to be heard without judgment. Exploring Your History and Current Concerns During the session, we’ll discuss your personal history, including relevant life experiences, relationships, and previous mental health support. This context helps me better understand the factors contributing to your current situation. I’ll also ask about your current challenges, symptoms, and the areas of your life where you feel stuck or would like to grow. Together, we’ll begin to identify patterns, strengths, and resources that can support your healing and personal development. Administrative Details and Informed Consent A portion of the first session will involve reviewing important administrative details. This includes explaining treatment consents, confidentiality, and the limits of privacy, so you know exactly what to expect regarding your personal information. I’ll also discuss fees, scheduling, and communication policies. My aim is to ensure that you feel informed, empowered, and confident in the structure and boundaries of our work together. Therapist Background and Approach I will share my professional background, experience, and therapeutic approach so that you understand how I work and how therapy might look for you. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, life transitions, self-worth challenges, and patterns in relationships. I often integrate mindfulness-based techniques and a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. Collaborative Goal Setting An important part of our first session is discussing your goals for therapy. Together, we’ll explore what you hope to achieve, whether that’s coping strategies for anxiety, understanding patterns in your relationships, healing from past trauma, or simply finding a more balanced, fulfilling life. We’ll begin crafting a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your values and supports your growth at a pace that feels right for you. Questions and Clarifications This is also your opportunity to ask questions about therapy itself. You might want to know what a typical session looks like, how frequently we’ll meet, or how progress is measured. You might also wonder about techniques I use or what to do between sessions. I encourage open conversation, and I’m happy to clarify anything so you feel comfortable and informed. Creating a Safe and Supportive Space One of my main goals in the first session is to help you feel safe and supported. Therapy can bring up difficult emotions, and it’s normal to feel vulnerable. I will guide you gently, check in often, and ensure you feel in control of the process. My approach emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and respect for your pace, so you can explore your experiences without pressure or judgment. Next Steps By the end of our first session, my hope is that you’ll have a clear understanding of how therapy will work and feel a sense of clarity about what comes next. We’ll review any immediate steps you’d like to take, potential strategies for coping between sessions, and the focus areas we might prioritize in future sessions. Many clients find that just taking this first step—scheduling and attending the initial session—can be empowering and clarifying, even before the therapeutic work fully begins. Final Thoughts Your first session is just the beginning of a journey tailored to your needs and goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and a safe space where you can explore your inner world, understand your patterns, and take steps toward growth and healing. It’s normal to feel uncertainty or hesitation at first, and you’re welcome to share these feelings—they are an important part of the work. Ultimately, the first session is about laying the foundation for a trusting, supportive therapeutic relationship. You can expect compassion, patience, and an open, nonjudgmental space where your experiences are validated. Together, we will set the tone for a process that honors your strengths, respects your pace, and supports meaningful, lasting growth. Taking the first step into therapy is courageous. I am honored to meet you where you are and to support you as you begin this journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Greatest Strengths One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. From the moment we begin working together, my focus is on cultivating trust, empathy, and understanding. I know that therapy can feel vulnerable, and I work to ensure that your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are always validated. This safe space allows you to explore difficult emotions, past experiences, and current challenges without fear of criticism or judgment. I approach therapy with compassion and authenticity. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach—each person’s journey is unique, and my role is to meet you where you are. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, self-worth challenges, relationship patterns, or major life transitions, I tailor my methods to your specific needs and strengths. By combining a trauma-informed, client-centered framework with mindfulness-based practices, I help clients cultivate awareness, presence, and self-compassion. This approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds long-term resilience and emotional regulation skills. Another strength lies in my belief that you are the expert of your own life. My role is to assist and guide you toward your goals, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights that empower you both inside and outside of sessions. I provide concrete coping strategies for managing anxiety, navigating stressful situations, and improving relationships, while also encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. I often provide resources, exercises, and “homework” that allow you to practice new skills between sessions, reinforcing progress and fostering independence. I am down-to-earth, approachable, and easy to talk to, which helps clients feel comfortable sharing their most personal experiences. Many people feel nervous about starting therapy, and my warm, collaborative approach helps reduce anxiety and build trust quickly. I prioritize open communication, checking in regularly to ensure that our work aligns with your goals and that you feel understood throughout the process. My methods are both flexible and evidence-based. While I specialize in client-centered and trauma-informed care, I integrate techniques from mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and stress-management tools. This allows me to address both the emotional and practical aspects of your challenges. Whether it’s learning to manage anxious thoughts, exploring patterns in relationships, or uncovering underlying beliefs about self-worth, I provide a structured yet flexible approach that meets you where you are. Results matter, and one of my strengths is helping clients translate insights from therapy into meaningful, real-world changes. Clients often report increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of confidence. By celebrating small victories along the way, I help you recognize progress and build momentum, making lasting change feel attainable rather than overwhelming. Collaboration is at the heart of my work. I see therapy as a partnership, where your voice is central. Together, we explore what matters most to you, set goals that are meaningful, and develop strategies that fit your life. I provide guidance, support, and gentle challenges when appropriate, but the pace and direction of therapy are always determined by you. This collaborative approach ensures that you remain empowered, accountable, and actively engaged in your growth. Finally, one of my greatest strengths is my commitment to holding space with empathy, patience, and consistency. Life is complex, and challenges often come in waves. I am here to support you through those ups and downs, providing continuity and stability that fosters trust and deep healing. My goal is not just to address immediate concerns but to equip you with the tools, insight, and confidence to navigate future challenges independently. In summary, my greatest strengths as a therapist include: Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for exploration and growth. Approaching therapy with compassion, authenticity, and respect for your unique journey. Believing in your expertise in your own life and guiding you toward your goals with practical tools and personalized strategies. Providing a down-to-earth, approachable, and collaborative style that helps you feel comfortable and understood. Integrating trauma-informed, client-centered, and mindfulness-based techniques to address both emotional and practical needs. Empowering clients to apply insights and skills between sessions, fostering lasting change. Celebrating strengths and progress along the way to build confidence and resilience. Maintaining patience, consistency, and empathy throughout the therapeutic process, even during challenging moments. Working with me means you are not alone in navigating life’s difficulties. My goal is to help you build resilience, clarify your goals, understand your patterns, and cultivate a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and fulfilling. I am honored to hold space for your growth and support you as you step into your strengths, navigate challenges, and discover your capacity for healing and transformation. Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I hope that what stands out about my approach is my dedication to creating an empowering, authentic, and client-centered experience. Together, we can work to uncover your inner wisdom, develop practical strategies, and foster meaningful, lasting change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My Ideal Clients Life can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to cope at times. Many people come to therapy feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, or uncertain about their next steps in life. Others struggle with low self-esteem, lingering trauma, relationship patterns, or major life transitions. If any of this resonates with you, you are not alone—and therapy can help you navigate these challenges with clarity, support, and resilience. I work best with adults who are ready to engage in a collaborative, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic process. My ideal clients are those who want to feel truly seen, heard, and understood in a space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences safely. You may feel stuck in certain patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, or unsure how to move forward in life. Perhaps you find yourself caught in cycles of self-doubt, stress, or relationship difficulties, and you’re eager to find practical tools, insight, and strategies to create meaningful change. Clients who thrive with my approach often value authenticity and empathy. They are willing to be honest with themselves and open to exploring both the challenges and the strengths that define their lives. You don’t need to have everything figured out to come to therapy—often, you only need the desire to feel more grounded, capable, and connected. My role is to meet you where you are, support you through your journey, and empower you to take steps toward growth and healing at a pace that feels comfortable. Many of my ideal clients are seeking to address the impact of stress, anxiety, or burnout on their daily lives. You might notice that worry, self-criticism, or overthinking interfere with your ability to relax, focus, or enjoy life. Together, we’ll explore the underlying causes of these challenges, develop practical coping strategies, and create space for self-compassion and resilience. Mindfulness-based practices, reflective exercises, and personalized tools help clients develop awareness and presence, allowing them to respond to life’s demands with greater calm and confidence. Life transitions can also bring uncertainty, self-doubt, or grief over what’s changing. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, relationship changes, relocation, or other significant life events, therapy provides a safe place to process these experiences and explore what matters most to you. My ideal clients are ready to examine old patterns, heal past wounds, and step into a future that feels aligned with their values and authentic self. Clients who benefit most from my work are often those seeking to strengthen self-worth and personal empowerment. You may struggle with self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, or a sense that you’re not living up to your potential. In therapy, we focus on uncovering your strengths, acknowledging your progress, and building confidence in your ability to navigate challenges. This process helps you cultivate a healthier relationship with yourself, your emotions, and your relationships with others. I also work well with individuals who want a trauma-informed approach. Trauma can take many forms—from past abuse or neglect to significant losses or ongoing stress—and its effects can ripple through your emotional, relational, and physical life. My ideal clients are willing to explore these experiences in a safe and compassionate environment, recognizing that healing is a gradual and collaborative process. Together, we create strategies for managing triggers, building resilience, and reclaiming a sense of safety, control, and empowerment in daily life. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you or telling you how to live your life. It’s about creating a supportive, collaborative space where you can reconnect with your authentic self, gain clarity, and develop tools to thrive. Clients who resonate with this approach often appreciate a down-to-earth, approachable style and the combination of insight, practical strategies, and mindfulness-based techniques that support long-term growth. Homework, exercises, and resources between sessions help reinforce learning and foster self-reliance, empowering clients to apply what they discover in therapy to everyday life. My ideal clients are ready to engage in a process that honors their pace and experiences while encouraging growth, reflection, and self-compassion. You may come to therapy feeling uncertain or apprehensive, and that’s okay—the journey begins wherever you are. What matters most is your willingness to explore, reflect, and take steps toward living a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and aligned with your values. Ultimately, my ideal clients are those seeking more than temporary relief from stress or anxiety. They want to build lasting resilience, deepen their self-understanding, and strengthen their ability to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, heal from trauma, improve relationships, or cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth, therapy with me provides a supportive and empowering space to achieve those outcomes. If you are looking for a therapist who listens deeply, validates your experiences, and walks alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges, you will feel at home in my practice. Together, we explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shape your life, identify practical strategies to move forward, and celebrate the growth and resilience that emerge along the way. Choosing to seek therapy is an act of courage and self-care. My ideal clients are ready to embrace that courage, take meaningful steps toward healing, and commit to a process that nurtures their emotional well-being. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, capable, and connected to yourself and others, now is the perfect time to begin your journey.