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

In your first therapy session, you can expect a welcoming, conversational experience focused on getting to know you and understanding what brings you in. The session typically includes a "detailed intake", which means I will ask questions about your current concerns, your history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. You may discuss things like your mental and physical health, significant life events, relationships, work or school stress, and any past therapy experiences. I will also explain how therapy works, review confidentiality and its limits, and answer any questions you may have. This session is not about being judged or “tested”; it’s about gathering information to help me understand your story and begin forming a plan tailored to your needs. At the end of our first session we usually set initial goals and outline what future sessions might look like, helping you feel grounded and prepared as you begin the therapeutic process. My goal of the end of our first session is for you to walk away with a warm and welcomed feeling. I want you to begin the belief that you will be able to overcome your struggles and anticipate your next session.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What often stands out to me about using CBT and Narrative Therapy is how differently each approach supports individuals—yet how well they can complement one another. CBT stands out for its structured, practical focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching concrete skills to change them. It helps clients gain clarity, challenge distortions, and develop coping strategies that lead to measurable improvements. Narrative Therapy, on the other hand, stands out for its collaborative, story-centered approach that separates you from your problems and helps you re-author more empowering personal narratives. Instead of analyzing symptoms, narrative work emphasizes meaning, identity, and strengths, allowing you to see yourself as resilient rather than defined by your struggles. When setting reasonable goals for a client, I often combine elements from both approaches: • Make goals collaborative: We will decide together what progress looks like. • Keep goals specific and realistic: Instead of “be less anxious,” a CBT-informed goal might be “use two coping skills to manage anxiety at work three times a week.” • Connect goals to values and identity: Using narrative principles, goals can reflect who you want to become (e.g., “strengthen my identity as someone who can advocate for myself”). • Break goals into manageable steps: Large or long-term goals get broken down into small, achievable milestones. • Ensure goals are flexible: Goals can be revised as you learn more about yourself and what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Together, CBT and narrative therapy help clients build practical skills and a more hopeful, meaningful understanding of their life—allowing goals to be both actionable and personally meaningful.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

As a therapist working with clients who face a wide range of mental health challenges, the goal is to help them gain a clearer and more empowering perspective on their lives. This often involves creating a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Through approaches such as cognitive reframing, narrative exploration and strength-based techniques, I help my clients identify unhelpful patterns, recognize their resilience, and reconnect with their values. By guiding clients to view their struggles within a broader context—and highlighting moments of courage, growth, and capability — I support them in developing healthier narratives, more balanced thinking, and a greater sense of agency in shaping their futures.