New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use challenges. I focus on helping people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward by building practical tools that can be used in everyday life. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, but I also bring real-life experience and understanding into the work. I don’t see this as just a job—it is something I feel called to do. I am genuinely invested in helping people grow, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change. I strive to create a space that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment. I will meet you where you are while also helping you take steps toward where you want to be. My goal is to help you feel more in control, more confident, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
In our first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Starting therapy can feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming, so we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. We’ll begin by talking about what brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping to get out of it. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with—there’s no pressure to have everything figured out or to explain your entire story all at once. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your current challenges, your background, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. This helps me get a clear picture of how to best support you moving forward. We’ll also start identifying goals for therapy, whether that’s reducing anxiety or depression, improving coping skills, addressing substance use, working through past experiences, or simply feeling more stable and in control of your day-to-day life. Throughout the session, I’ll check in with you and make sure the conversation feels helpful and relevant. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your input matters every step of the way. By the end of the first session, you can expect to have a better understanding of how I work, feel more comfortable with the process, and begin developing a plan that fits your needs and goals. Most importantly, this is your space—there’s no judgment, no pressure, and no expectation to be anything other than where you are right now.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to combine clinical knowledge with a practical, real-world approach. I don’t believe therapy should feel overly complicated or disconnected from your everyday life—I focus on helping you build tools that you can actually use outside of sessions. I bring a calm, grounded presence to my work and am comfortable supporting clients through high-stress, complex, or emotionally intense situations. I’m able to meet people where they are, whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward, and help them take clear, manageable steps toward change. My approach is collaborative, direct, and supportive. I will listen without judgment, but I will also gently challenge patterns that may be holding you back. I believe real progress comes from both understanding your experiences and actively working toward change. I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and strengths-based techniques, while also adapting to each client’s individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach—therapy should be tailored to you. I also bring an understanding of diverse life experiences, including working with individuals facing significant stress, life transitions, and complex personal challenges. This allows me to stay present, focused, and supportive even when things feel difficult. Ultimately, my goal is to help you gain insight, build confidence, and develop practical skills so you can feel more in control of your life and better equipped to handle challenges moving forward.
I work best with individuals who are ready for change—even if they don’t fully know what that looks like yet. Many of my clients feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with patterns that keep repeating in their lives. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or the impact of difficult life experiences, and they’re looking for practical ways to move forward. I’m especially well-positioned to work with clients who have been through high-stress or complex situations and need a therapist who is direct, grounded, and not easily shaken. I’ve worked with people from diverse backgrounds, including those who may have felt misunderstood or judged in other settings, and I focus on creating a space where you can be real without having to filter yourself. My clients are often motivated to improve but may need structure, accountability, and effective tools to get there. They are open to learning new ways of thinking, building coping skills, and taking small, consistent steps toward change. If you’re looking for a therapist who will listen, be honest with you, and help you develop real-life strategies—not just talk—you’re likely a good fit for my approach.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the main approaches I use in my work, especially when helping clients manage anxiety, depression, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck. My experience with CBT comes from working in high-intensity settings where clients needed practical, effective tools—not just conversation. I use CBT in a direct and structured way. We focus on identifying the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how those patterns may be working against you. From there, we work together to challenge unhelpful thinking and replace it with more balanced, realistic perspectives that support your goals. My approach is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor CBT techniques to fit your situation, whether that means breaking down negative thought patterns, building coping skills, or creating small, actionable steps you can apply in your daily life. I also make sure the work feels practical and relevant—not overly clinical or overwhelming. The goal is for you to leave sessions with tools you can actually use. Over time, CBT helps you gain more control over your reactions, improve your mood, and build confidence in handling difficult situations on your own.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach I use to help clients build psychological flexibility and move forward even when difficult thoughts or emotions are present. In my experience, many people feel stuck because they are trying to fight, avoid, or control what they’re feeling. ACT shifts that focus toward learning how to respond differently instead of getting caught in the struggle. My approach to ACT is practical and grounded. I help clients learn how to notice their thoughts without automatically reacting to them, create distance from unhelpful thinking patterns, and stay present in the moment. We also focus on identifying personal values—what actually matters to you—and using those values to guide your decisions and behavior. I tailor ACT to each individual. For some, that means learning how to sit with anxiety without letting it take over. For others, it means reconnecting with purpose, building consistency, and taking meaningful action even during stressful times. The goal is not to eliminate discomfort, but to help you build the ability to handle it while still moving toward the life you want. Over time, this leads to greater resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of direction.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a key approach I use when working with clients who experience intense emotions, difficulty with impulse control, or challenges in relationships. In my experience, many people are not lacking insight—they’re lacking the tools to manage overwhelming emotions in the moment. DBT focuses on building those tools. My approach to DBT is practical and skills-based. I teach and apply core DBT skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are not just concepts—we actively work on how to use them in real-life situations, especially during high-stress moments. I tailor DBT to each client. For some, the focus is learning how to slow down impulsive reactions and tolerate distress without making things worse. For others, it’s improving communication, setting boundaries, or managing mood swings more effectively. I often break skills down into simple, usable steps so they can be applied immediately outside of session. I also balance acceptance and change. We work on accepting where you are without judgment, while also building the skills needed to move forward. The goal is for you to gain control over your reactions, improve your relationships, and feel more stable and confident in handling difficult situations. Over time, DBT helps you respond instead of react.
Christian Counseling
Christian Counseling is an approach I offer for clients who want to incorporate their faith into the therapeutic process. I understand that spirituality can be a central part of how people make sense of their experiences, cope with challenges, and find direction in life. My approach is to meet you where you are in your faith. For clients who identify as Christian, I can integrate biblical principles, prayer (if desired), and faith-based perspectives into sessions in a way that supports your mental health goals. At the same time, I keep the work grounded in evidence-based practices to ensure that therapy remains effective and structured. I do not assume or impose beliefs. Instead, I allow you to guide how much your faith is included in the process. For some, that may mean exploring forgiveness, purpose, or identity through a spiritual lens. For others, it may simply be acknowledging faith as a source of strength and support. I also recognize that people can have complex relationships with religion, including past hurt or confusion. I create a space where those experiences can be explored openly without judgment. The goal is to align your mental health work with your values and beliefs, helping you build resilience, find meaning, and move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy is an essential part of how I approach my work. I understand that culture, language, family values, and life experiences all shape how people view mental health, cope with challenges, and engage in therapy. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, respected, and not judged. I have experience working with diverse populations, including individuals from different cultural, socioeconomic, and legal backgrounds. As a bilingual clinician, I’m able to provide services in both English and Spanish, which allows for more natural communication and deeper connection when language is an important part of your experience. My approach is to meet you where you are. I take time to understand your background, beliefs, and what matters most to you, and I incorporate that into the way we work together. I avoid a one-size-fits-all model and instead adapt evidence-based approaches so they align with your values and lived experience. I also recognize that some clients may have had negative or uncomfortable experiences with systems or providers in the past. Building trust is a priority, and I work to create a space where you can speak openly without feeling misunderstood or overlooked. The goal is to provide care that feels relevant, respectful, and effective—so you can fully engage in the process and make meaningful progress.