LMHC, 7 years of experience
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Virginia and Florida with a passion for supporting adults who are navigating challenges such as addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, or the everyday stressors that can leave us feeling stuck. Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted from carrying their struggles alone, wanting a safe and nonjudgmental space to be heard, understood, and supported. My goal is to help you build healthier ways of coping, strengthen your sense of self, and create the balance and peace you’ve been searching for.
In your first session with me, the goal is simply to get to know you and create a space where you feel comfortable. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out, you’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’re ready for. We’ll start with a casual conversation about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to get out of our work together. I may ask a few questions to better understand your background, strengths, and concerns, but I move at your pace and follow your lead. I’ll also explain how sessions work, answer any questions you have, and talk through things like goals, confidentiality, and what support can look like for you. By the end of the first session, you should have a sense of my style, feel heard, and know that you don’t have to go through things alone, we’ll figure it out together, one step at a time.
What makes my therapeutic approach stand out is the way I blend evidence-based methods with a genuine, down-to-earth style; especially when working with addiction and other concerns. I draw heavily from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, using them in a flexible, conversational way rather than something that feels rigid or clinical. These approaches help clients explore their thoughts, build motivation for change, and develop practical coping tools they can use in daily life. My experience goes beyond substance use alone. I’ve worked with clients facing trauma, grief, life transitions, depression, and co-occurring addiction, and I understand how these issues often overlap. Instead of treating just the symptoms, I focus on the whole person, helping clients uncover the “why” behind their struggles and build healthier patterns without judgment. Clients often share that they feel understood, supported, and empowered to make changes at their own pace. My goal is always to create a space where healing feels possible and progress feels personal and achievable.
I’m a good fit for clients who are open to growth but may feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed about where to start. I work well with individuals navigating life transitions,depression, managing anxiety or stress, healing from past experiences, addressing addiction or substance use, or trying to build healthier patterns in their relationships, habits, or self-esteem. Many of the clients I serve are motivated deep down but may struggle with follow-through, confidence, or direction. You don’t have to show up knowing exactly what you want, just a willingness to be honest, curious, and open to change at your own pace. I also connect well with people who value a warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative style rather than something overly formal or clinical. Whether your goal is to gain clarity, break old cycles, improve communication, work through addiction-related challenges, or feel more regulated and empowered, I’m here to meet you where you are and help you move forward with support and intention.
In practice, I use person‐centered therapy by creating a space where clients lead the conversation and set the pace. Rather than directing or correcting, I focus on listening deeply, reflecting their feelings, and helping them explore their own insights. I try to show up as a real person in the room, warm, open, and accepting, so clients feel safe being themselves. This approach works well because people often know more about themselves than they realize. My role is to support their self-discovery, help them build trust in their own voice, and walk alongside them as they grow and make changes.
What drew me to ACT is that it doesn’t focus on “fixing” thoughts or feelings, it helps people relate to them differently so they can live in a way that feels meaningful. In session, I use ACT by helping clients identify what truly matters to them, like relationships, health, or personal growth, and then we look at what thoughts or emotions might be getting in the way. I often bring in mindfulness exercises, grounding techniques, and gentle reflection to help clients build awareness without judgment. We explore how to make values-based choices, even when discomfort shows up.
When I use CBT in sessions, I start by helping clients identify what they’re struggling with and how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. From there, we work together to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. I like to make it practical, using real-life examples, gentle reflection, and small steps clients can try between sessions. I also check in often to see what’s working and adjust along the way so it fits the person, not just the model.
In practice, I use MI by asking open questions, reflecting back what I hear, and helping clients notice their own strengths and motivation. Instead of telling them what to do, I create space for them to talk through their goals and any mixed feelings they may have. For example, if someone wants to make a change but feels unsure, I help them explore both sides without judgment. What I love most about MI is that clients feel heard and in control. It builds trust, reduces pressure, and often leads people to make decisions that feel right for them at their own pace.