LPC, 5 years of experience
Hi there! My name is Essence, and I support college students and recent graduates as they navigate the many stressors that come with higher education—including the often-overlooked adjustment period after graduation. I work with individuals who may be struggling to balance their schedules, relationships, family dynamics, and other responsibilities while trying to stay grounded in who they are. If you're feeling stuck, off-track, or uncertain about your next steps, I’m here to help you work through this chapter and reconnect with yourself along the way. If you are a parent looking for an accessible way to get your college student started in therapy, please reach out!
In our first session, I’ll begin by introducing myself and sharing a bit about how I approach therapy. I’ll also take a moment to recognize the effort it took for you to book this appointment—starting therapy is a meaningful step, and it’s important to reflect on what brought you here. We’ll spend time talking through some parts of your psychosocial history, such as past experiences, current challenges, and support systems. From there, we’ll begin identifying your goals so we can shape a plan that feels supportive, intentional, and tailored to your needs. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity.
My greatest strengths as a provider are honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to take healthy risks in the therapeutic process. I aim to be direct yet compassionate, helping clients explore what’s true for them—even when it’s uncomfortable. I bring curiosity into our work together, asking thoughtful questions that invite reflection and deeper insight. I also support clients in stepping outside their comfort zones when needed, encouraging growth through experimentation, creativity, and action.
I work best with college students and recent graduates who are open to using art as a tool to support their mental well-being. I specialize in working with individuals navigating low motivation, suicidal thoughts, and challenges related to self-esteem and identity. If you're looking to reconnect with your creativity as a means of healing and coping, I provide a collaborative, supportive space to explore that process.
As an art therapist who integrates DBT, I use creative expression to help clients practice core DBT skills like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Art-making allows clients to externalize emotions and observe them nonjudgmentally, which aligns well with DBT principles. I incorporate art prompts to explore thought patterns, identify values, and strengthen coping strategies. This combination makes the work both engaging and deeply reflective, helping clients build practical skills for daily life.
As an art therapist who incorporates CBT, I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts through both discussion and creative expression. Art-making offers a visual way to externalize and reframe negative thinking patterns, making cognitive shifts more accessible and engaging. Combining CBT with art allows clients to process experiences on both cognitive and emotional levels, supporting lasting change.