Get to know me

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

Your First Session With Me What to Expect When We Begin Our Work Together Starting therapy can be both exciting and a little intimidating. Whether you’re coming in with a clear goal or just a sense that something needs to change, I want to help make this first step feel comfortable, safe, and empowering. Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a foundation of trust. My primary goal is to understand what’s bringing you in, what matters most to you, and how I can best support you. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you’re ready for—we will always move at your pace. We’ll begin by reviewing a few important things like confidentiality, my role as your therapist, and what you can expect from our work together. I’ll also answer any questions you might have about therapy, scheduling, or communication. This helps create a clear structure and mutual understanding from the very beginning. As we talk, I’ll ask open-ended questions to better understand your concerns, your history, and what you’re hoping to change or achieve. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Many people come to therapy unsure of what exactly they want—they just know they’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. That’s okay. We’ll explore it together. My approach to therapy is relational, mindful, and grounded in systems thinking. I’ll listen not only for the challenges you’re facing, but also for the strengths and values you already hold. I may invite you to notice patterns in your thoughts, relationships, or emotions, and we’ll begin identifying potential goals for your therapy. By the end of our session, we’ll have a shared understanding of where we’re starting, what we’re working toward, and how we’ll begin moving in that direction. If appropriate, I might offer a small reflection activity or mindfulness practice to try between sessions, but there is no pressure or expectation to complete homework unless it feels meaningful to you. After your first appointment, you might feel a sense of relief, clarity, or even emotional exhaustion. All of these responses are normal. Starting therapy is a big step—and one I deeply respect. Please remember: you don’t have to be “ready” or “perfect” to begin. You just need to be willing to show up and take that first courageous step. I’m here to support you, hold space for your story, and help you build the life you want to live. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Greatest Strengths as a Therapist Relational, Grounded, and Purpose-Driven Care Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving individuals and families across a wide range of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and military-connected communities. What sets me apart as a clinician is the way I integrate clinical expertise, relational depth, and a strong sense of purpose into every aspect of care. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to form strong, trusting relationships with clients. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth. I strive to create a space where clients feel emotionally safe, respected, and empowered. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, or relationship challenges, you will be met with compassion, clarity, and curiosity—not judgment. My clinical approach is grounded in Relational Frame Theory and systems thinking, which allows me to understand behavior in the broader context of language, learning history, relationships, and environment. I help clients explore how their internal narratives and external roles shape their experience of the world—and how they can shift those patterns to move toward greater alignment with their values. My work is especially well-suited for clients seeking long-term, sustainable change, not just symptom reduction. Another strength of mine is my ability to integrate mindfulness-based practices into therapy in a way that feels approachable and personalized. I don’t just teach mindfulness; I live it. This foundation supports clients in learning emotional regulation, present-moment awareness, and psychological flexibility—skills that are essential for coping with stress, trauma, and uncertainty. I have deep experience working with trauma survivors, service members and their families, adolescents in crisis, and individuals navigating life transitions, identity shifts, or relational strain. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally disconnected. Together, we slow down, identify what truly matters, and begin making intentional choices that support healing and resilience. In addition to my clinical strengths, I bring a calm, grounded presence and a strong sense of ethics to the work. I maintain clear boundaries, communicate with honesty and transparency, and always center the client’s autonomy. I see therapy as a collaborative process—you are the expert on your life, and I bring tools, perspective, and sup

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

As a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS), board-certified counselor (NCC), and approved clinical supervisor (ACS) with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals across a wide range of life circumstances. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Relational Frame Theory, systemic thinking, and mindfulness-based practice. These foundations shape not only how I conceptualize client concerns, but also who I am best positioned to serve. I work most effectively with clients who are ready to examine not just what they’re feeling, but why—clients who are open to exploring their relational patterns, internal narratives, values, and identity within the broader context of their lives. A significant portion of my clinical work has focused on supporting individuals recovering from trauma—both single-incident and complex developmental trauma. I specialize in helping clients understand how trauma affects not just their memories, but their beliefs, relationships, behaviors, and sense of self. I am particularly well-equipped to support: Military service members and their families navigating combat-related trauma, loss, or the cumulative stress of military life Survivors of childhood emotional neglect, abuse, or family dysfunction who are struggling with trust, boundaries, or chronic shame Individuals who have experienced medical trauma, cancer survivorship, or life-altering health events People managing the impact of relational trauma, such as betrayal, abandonment, or enmeshment I offer a calm, regulated space where clients can process trauma at their own pace. I do not rush disclosure, nor do I assume that trauma work must look the same for every person. Instead, I co-create a path to healing that honors your history, your resilience, and your readiness. I am well-suited to support clients experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, perfectionism, and high-functioning burnout. These clients often appear “put together” on the outside but are overwhelmed internally by constant self-criticism, overthinking, or emotional suppression. Many are professionals, caregivers, or parents who have become disconnected from their own needs while managing responsibilities for others. I help these clients: Learn emotional regulation and grounding strategies Develop self-compassion and reduce internal judgment Break free from rigid behavioral patterns that keep them stuck in cycles of worry or avoidance Reconnect with what