Get to know me

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

Your first session with me is designed to set the foundation for our work together. Getting to Know You We will begin by talking about what brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from our time together. For children and adolescents, this often involves gathering information not only from the child but also from caregivers to understand the full picture of what’s happening at home, school, and socially. For adults, we’ll explore your history, current concerns, and goals in a way that feels conversational, not overwhelming. Creating Goals Together Once I have an understanding of your background, we will start outlining initial goals. These may be broad at first—such as “managing stress better” or “helping my child focus in school”—but together we’ll refine them into clear, achievable steps. My goal is to make therapy practical and relevant to your everyday life. What to Expect in the Session I encourage all clients to keep a pen and paper handy, as I often share skills, tools, or exercises you may want to jot down. Depending on your needs, some sessions may feel more structured, where I guide you through coping strategies or thought-challenging exercises. Other sessions may be more open, giving you space to process your experiences and emotions while receiving validation and support. For children, sessions may include developmentally appropriate activities such as drawing, storytelling, or games that make therapy engaging while still targeting therapeutic goals. Caregivers may also be involved in parts of the session to ensure continuity between therapy and the home environment. Building Safety and Trust I value transparency and open communication. If something in therapy does not feel useful, I encourage clients to say so. The first session is a space to begin building trust, ask questions, and establish comfort with the process. We will also discuss confidentiality, the boundaries of therapy, and what you can expect in terms of frequency, structure, and communication. By the end of the session, you will leave with a clearer sense of what therapy will look like, what initial goals we are working toward, and what role both of us will play in the process.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out about my therapeutic approach is its flexibility and depth. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model; instead, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to meet each client where they are. This allows me to balance structured skill-building with open reflection and emotional validation. Clients often tell me they feel both supported and challenged, gaining practical tools they can use right away while also experiencing a safe space for growth and healing. My greatest strengths lie in my ability to connect across the lifespan, adapt to individual needs, and bring both compassion and structure to the process. With over 20 years of experience, I have walked alongside children adjusting to change, adolescents navigating identity and self-esteem challenges, and adults managing anxiety, depression, postpartum transitions, caregiver stress, or chronic illness. I excel at involving families in the therapeutic process, empowering parents and caregivers while also honoring each child’s or teen’s voice. For adults, I provide clarity and tools to help them feel less stuck, more resilient, and better able to face life transitions. Above all, what clients experience in working with me is a collaborative partnership. My role is to help them uncover strengths, navigate challenges, and create a meaningful path forward. Whether someone comes to therapy in crisis or with a quieter longing for growth, I offer a space where progress feels achievable, sustainable, and grounded in both empathy and evidence-based practice.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients do not need to arrive with everything figured out. What matters most is a willingness to engage in the process—even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Whether in crisis or seeking steady growth, I meet clients where they are, honoring both their struggles and their strengths. Together, we create a path that balances structure with compassion, skills with empathy, and progress with acceptance. At this time, I am focusing solely on working with individuals, not couples or families. The exception is children and teens, where parent or caregiver involvement may be included as needed to support the therapeutic process and strengthen outcomes.

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