Get to know me

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

During a first session, my goal is always to create an accepting, validating, non-judgmental place to "crash" after experiencing potential invalidation, hurt, and pain from hostile environments or people. I also would like to position myself in a neutral, attentive, and open stance to your difficulties, get a better picture of your problems via a structured intake process, and allow you to explore stigma around your particular symptoms. Lastly, I would like to give the opportunity to learn about me, the goals and limits of therapy, and set a course to journey upon together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe the diversity of my experiences as a therapist in numerous environments, eclectic, flexible approach, and range of psychology studies from my dual masters programs is one of my greatest strengths. I have worked worked with individuals, couples and families in several states in various settings of care, ages 5 to 75 y.o., men, women, LGBQT+, diagnosed a wide range or conditions, including severe mental health disorders, OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders. I like to approach therapy with the understanding that this process is often dynamic and unpredictable, and regularly update treatment goals or change modalities when necessary, often after conferring with peers and other specialists. It is important for me to recognize that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may not be beneficial for a number of clients while psychodynamic, attachment based, or behavioral interventions can better suit them. Lastly, I try to embrace the balance of creating a professional, yet genuine rapport with clients, and look to identify with or place myself in the shoes of others and remain curious to respect and understand their culture and lived experiences. Respect of personal beliefs, values and differences are center to my approach and relationships as a therapist.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I don't believe I have an ideal client or single mental health disorder I treat. While my personal expertise has been in OCD, phobia, and panic disorder related exposure therapy and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, I have also assisted clients struggling with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use and sexual addictions, marital and relationship struggles, ADHD, life transitions, and chronic medical conditions. I have found that clients who have experienced their "rock bottom" in mental health challenges are most prepared to become vulnerable with others and put effort into their recovery. Additionally, I focus on follow up activities to complete, when relevant, in between-session, per my CBT training. However, I completely recognize we all can be at different places in recovery and change preparedness, and I want to meet my clients where they are without judgement, assumptions, or preconceived "correct" actions they must take to recover.