New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of clinical experience, grounded in a lifelong passion for providing meaningful clinical services and fostering healing relationships. My academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, followed by a Master's in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Community Mental Health. These foundations shaped a career centered on serving diverse communities and addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. Throughout my training and professional work, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals across the lifespan from adolescents to older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and complex life transitions. My early clinical experience included providing therapy to incarcerated youth and working in Kaiser Permanente’s Behavioral Health department, treating a broad general population. I also had the opportunity to engage in international mental health work, serving Syrian refugees in Germany during a study abroad program. Professionally, I’ve held leadership roles overseeing residential psychiatric facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness and served as a psychological expert in the court system, where I helped provide treatment and mental health diversion for those involved in the criminal justice system. Additionally, I’ve supported the next generation of therapists as a clinical supervisor for graduate students and early-career clinicians.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my priority is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. We'll begin by exploring what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and any goals or hopes you have for our work together. I’ll also ask questions about your history, support systems, and any past experiences with therapy, all at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This initial session is not about jumping into solutions or placing labels it's about beginning to understand your story and building a foundation of trust. My role is to listen with empathy and curiosity, not judgment. From the very beginning, you'll be met with compassion, patience, and a collaborative spirit. Whether you're coming in with a clear sense of direction or simply know that something needs to change, we’ll start the process of making meaning from your experiences and identifying a path forward together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in the depth and breadth of my clinical experience, my relational approach, and my ability to meet clients with genuine empathy and respect. I strive to bring a grounded, steady presence to therapy and a deep understanding of complex life experiences. I have been privileged enough to serve a diverse client population which enables me to work effectively with clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and major life transitions. What sets my therapeutic approach apart is my client centered, humanistic, and existential framework. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, I work collaboratively with clients to deepen insight, increase emotional awareness, and explore meaning, identity, and purpose. I believe each person’s story is unique, and I tailor therapy to the individual; honoring strengths, values, and lived experience rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. I am especially skilled at creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. From the very first session, my priority is building trust and fostering a strong therapeutic relationship. Clients often share that therapy with me feels authentic, thoughtful, and empowering. My goal is to help individuals develop a greater sense of agency, connection, and self-understanding, supporting meaningful and lasting change that extends beyond the therapy room.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My approach to therapy is grounded in a client-centered, humanistic, and existential framework. I believe that each person’s experience is unique and valuable, and I strive to meet clients where they are with empathy, curiosity, and respect. Rather than focusing on “fixing” symptoms, I work collaboratively with clients to deepen understanding, increase emotional awareness, and explore meaning and purpose in their lives. Therapy with me is not a one-size-fits-all process. I tailor our work to your individual needs, strengths, and goals. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, or major life transitions, I provide a space where you can explore difficult emotions, reflect on your experiences, and begin to create something new and meaningful. With over a decade of experience in clinical settings from working with incarcerated youth and individuals experiencing homelessness to providing therapy in medical and community settings I bring a grounded, relational, and nonjudgmental presence into session. My goal is to support you in developing a greater sense of agency, connection, and meaning in your life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT was one of the first therapy modalities I began using when training to become a therapist, and I found it to be a helpful and practical entry point into deeper therapeutic work. I work collaboratively with clients to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, build coping skills, and develop more balanced perspectives, providing tools they can apply in everyday situations to support lasting change.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients process and heal from the effects of traumatic experiences in a structured and supportive way. I integrate psychoeducation, skill-building, and gradual trauma processing to help clients develop emotional regulation, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and restore a sense of safety and empowerment. I approach TF-CBT collaboratively and at the client’s pace, ensuring that interventions are grounded in stabilization and strengths while supporting meaningful and lasting healing.
Psychoeducation
I use psychoeducation in all working therapeutic relationships to help clients better understand their symptoms, experiences, and the underlying psychological processes that influence their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By providing clear, accessible information, I empower clients to make sense of their challenges, normalize their experiences, and reduce shame or confusion. Psychoeducation serves as a foundational component of therapy, supporting insight, collaboration, and informed engagement in the therapeutic process.
Strength-Based
I use a strength-based treatment approach to help clients identify, access, and build upon their existing strengths, resilience, and internal resources. I collaborate with clients to highlight what is already working in their lives while fostering confidence, hope, and self-efficacy. By centering therapy on clients’ abilities and values, this approach supports empowerment and sustainable growth while addressing challenges in a respectful and affirming way.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use solution-focused brief treatment (SFBT) to help clients identify their goals and focus on practical, achievable solutions rather than problems. I work collaboratively with clients to highlight strengths, past successes, and existing resources that can support positive change. By emphasizing small, meaningful steps and future-oriented thinking, SFBT helps clients build momentum and make progress efficiently and effectively.