Get to know me

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

Starting therapy can feel both exciting and a little intimidating. It takes courage to take the first step, and I want you to know that from the moment you walk into our first session—or log on virtually—you will be welcomed into a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, understood, and empowered right from the beginning. Setting the Tone The first session is all about getting to know each other. I’ll begin by introducing myself, sharing a bit about my background, and explaining how therapy works in my practice. I want you to feel at ease and to know what to expect, so I’ll review confidentiality, answer any questions, and explain how we’ll work together as a team. Exploring Your Story Much of the first session focuses on you—your story, your concerns, and what brought you to therapy. I’ll invite you to share what’s been going on in your life and what you hope to gain from our work together. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to tell your story; you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. My role is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to understand your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. Clarifying Goals Another important part of the first session is identifying your goals. Some clients come in with very clear objectives, such as managing anxiety, improving communication with a partner, or healing from trauma. Others simply know they want to feel better but aren’t sure where to start. Either way is perfectly fine. Together, we’ll start to shape a direction for our work, creating goals that are meaningful and realistic for you. Introducing My Approach I’ll also share a bit about how I work. Depending on your needs, I may explain how evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful. I may also describe how I integrate holistic practices such as mindfulness or movement-based techniques to support healing. This gives you a chance to learn more about my style and how it can support your growth. Creating Comfort and Safety I know that the first session can feel vulnerable, especially if therapy is new for you. That’s why I take time to build trust and ensure you feel safe. You don’t have to share everything all at once; therapy is a process, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you. Many clients share that just being able to talk openly in a supportive environment

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Every therapist brings their own lens, training, and personality to the work they do. What sets me apart is not just the techniques I use, but the way I integrate them with compassion, authenticity, and a deep belief in the resilience of every client I serve. Integrative, Whole-Person Approach One of my greatest strengths is my ability to combine evidence-based therapy with holistic wellness practices. With dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health and additional training in fitness and yoga, I understand that mental health cannot be separated from the health of the body. Clients often tell me they appreciate how I weave together mind-body strategies—whether that’s pairing cognitive tools with mindfulness, or integrating gentle movement and grounding practices to reduce stress and reconnect with the self. This holistic approach ensures that therapy is not only about talking, but also about experiencing healing in a deeper, embodied way. Evidence-Based and Tailored to You I am extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), two highly effective, evidence-based treatments. My strength lies in knowing when and how to apply these methods to meet clients where they are. For example, CBT can help clients reframe unhelpful thinking and build healthier coping strategies, while EMDR provides powerful healing for those carrying trauma. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model; instead, I carefully tailor sessions so that each client receives the tools and support most aligned with their goals and needs. Creating a Safe, Affirming Space Clients consistently share that one of the things that stands out about working with me is the sense of safety and openness they feel in session. I prioritize building trust and creating an affirming environment where individuals and couples feel respected, understood, and empowered. This matters deeply to me because real progress can only happen when clients feel safe enough to be vulnerable. My ability to balance warmth with professionalism allows clients to explore difficult emotions without fear of judgment. Focus on Practical Change and Lasting Impact While I value insight and reflection, another strength of my approach is my focus on helping clients translate what they learn in therapy into everyday life. I provide practical strategies and tools that clients can use immediately—whether it’s stress-management techniques, communication ski

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

As a licensed therapist and wellness professional, I specialize in supporting adults and couples who are ready to invest in their emotional health and create lasting change. My practice is built on the belief that true healing happens when the mind and body are addressed together, and I draw on years of training and experience to guide clients toward clarity, resilience, and self-acceptance. I am best positioned to serve clients who feel stuck in patterns of stress, self-doubt, or unresolved pain. Many of the individuals I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or the pressures of balancing career, relationships, and personal well-being. Some come to me feeling overwhelmed by life transitions—whether that’s adjusting to a new role, coping with loss, or learning to manage shifting family or relationship dynamics. Others may be struggling with a critical inner voice, perfectionism, or difficulty setting boundaries that protect their peace. I also work closely with couples who want to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, or rebuild trust. These may be partners who love each other deeply but find themselves caught in cycles of conflict, distance, or unresolved hurt. Through couples counseling, I help them uncover patterns, develop healthier ways of relating, and reconnect with a sense of shared purpose. Clients who choose to work with me often value a collaborative, solution-focused approach. They may be goal-oriented individuals who want practical tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shift unhelpful thought patterns, or clients seeking to heal from trauma through evidence-based treatments like EMDR. Many are also drawn to my holistic framework, which integrates mindfulness, movement, and wellness strategies into therapy to create a deeper, more sustainable transformation. The people I serve are often motivated by a desire to not just reduce symptoms but to live with more meaning, balance, and confidence. Their goals might include: • Developing healthier coping strategies for stress and anxiety • Healing from past trauma and reclaiming a sense of safety • Improving self-esteem and reducing self-criticism • Enhancing communication and connection within relationships • Building resilience during major life transitions • Creating healthier routines that support both mental and physical wellness While my clients may come from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, they often share a common mi

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