LMHC, 25 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi there. I'm a therapist who's passionate about helping people feel heard, understood, and supported. For over twenty years, I've worked with children, adolescents, couples, and families. I've assisted with guiding them through life's challenges, whether it's stress, relationship struggles, behavioral concerns, or feeling stuck. My style is warm and collaborative. I believe therapy needs to be a safe place to be yourself--without judgement--where we can explore the issues you've been dealing with and find a way forward. We will work on building tools to create emotional balance, stronger connections, and more confidence in handling problems coming up in your daily life.
Our first session is about getting to know you--what brings you to therapy and what you want to get out of it. I ask questions so I can better understand your story. You only share what feels comfortable for you since therapy is a safe place for you to set the pace. We'll work on identifying your goals and explore ways we could work towards them. You will leave the session feeling heard, supported, and have a better idea of what our work together might look like.
One of my greatest strengths is creating a space where a client feels genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. A combination of over twenty years experience with a flexible approach drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, the Gottman Method, and other respected approaches to meet each client's unique need. What sets my work apart is how I combine practical tools and genuine connection. Client often say they feel lighter, more hopeful, and better equipped to manage problems.
I'm best suited to work with clients who are ready to change, but may feel confused of where to start. Many of those I help are struggling with stress, relationship issues, behavioral concerns with children, or life transitions that could feel overwhelming. Some come to therapy to heal from past experiences, while others may only want tools to better manage their feelings, improve communication, and build relationships. My ideal clients are open to personal growth, interested in learning new coping skills, and willing to take small, meaningful steps towards their goals.
With children, I use age-appropriate strategies, such as play-based tools, visuals, and simple language to help them identify feelings, manage worries, and develop good coping skills. With Adults, I explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. With couples, I draw from CBT to improve communication patterns.
With children, I break down DBT concepts using visuals, games, and age-appropriate examples to teach skills like naming feelings, calming down, and thinking before reacting. With adults, I teach them mindfulness skills and learning to stay in the moment; dealing with emotions in healthy ways, staying grounded during stress, and building healthy relationships.
So with children, I like to use age-appropriate tools, like stories and games, to help them feel their feelings without getting lost in them and make choices on what matters most to them. With adults, I teach them to how to sit with uncomfortable feelings without pushing them away; become aware of their values, and make choices that matter, even during hard times.
I'm trained primarily in the Gottman Method, a proven approach that helps couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their connection. In addition, I draw from other respected approaches, such as Relational Life Therapy, The Couples Institute, and PACT. which blend well with the Gottman Method to address a wide range of relationship challenges.