Get to know me

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

Starting counseling can feel like a big step. For many people, even reaching out to make the first appointment takes courage. You may feel hopeful and nervous at the same time—ready for change but unsure of what the process will look like. That’s why I want to explain what our very first session will involve. My hope is that by knowing what to expect, you’ll feel more comfortable walking in. Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space From the moment you sit down with me, my goal is to create an atmosphere where you feel safe, respected, and at ease. Sharing your story with someone new can feel intimidating, so I won’t rush or pressure you. Instead, I’ll start by telling you a little about myself—who I am, my background, and my approach. Counseling works best when it feels like a partnership, not a performance, so I want you to know right away that I’m not here to judge or criticize you. I’m here to listen, to understand, and to walk alongside you. Hearing Your Story After I share, I’ll invite you to share your story. You get to decide where we begin—some clients dive right into what brought them to counseling, others need to start more slowly. There’s no right or wrong way. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. I’ll likely ask some gentle questions to help me understand what’s been happening and how it has affected you. You don’t need to prepare a perfect explanation or worry about saying things “the right way.” This time is about being able to share openly and honestly. Exploring Expectations and Concerns In our first session, we’ll also talk about your expectations for counseling. What are you hoping to gain? Do you have specific goals in mind, or are you still figuring it out? Are there concerns or questions you want to address? Some clients want to know how often we’ll meet, how long the process may take, or whether faith will be part of our conversations. Others wonder if their struggles are “too small” or “too big.” This is the perfect time to bring up anything on your mind. Establishing Comfort and Safety Counseling can only work when there is trust. I want you to know this is a safe space where you can speak freely without fear of judgment or dismissal. Whether you are sharing about anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, grief, or simply a desire for growth, you will be met with compassion. If faith is important in your life, we can integrate Scripture, prayer, and biblical principles. If not, you are still fully we

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

1. A Genuine Desire to Help You Thrive At the heart of everything I do is a sincere desire to see people set free from the struggles that weigh them down. I don’t see counseling as just a job; it’s a ministry and a calling. I want you to be able to live the life God has designed for you—to move beyond anxiety, fear, or confusion and into a place of peace, purpose, and joy. Clients often tell me they can sense that I truly care. I listen deeply, not just to the words being spoken but also to the emotions underneath. My goal is never to “fix” you but to walk with you, encourage you, and equip you as you learn to live more fully. 2. Speaking Truth with Compassion One of my guiding principles is to always tell the truth in love. I believe growth happens when we can be honest—both with ourselves and with others. At the same time, I know that truth spoken harshly can wound rather than heal. That’s why I am committed to speaking truth with compassion. You can expect me to be gentle but also honest. I won’t sugarcoat things that need to be addressed, but I will present them in a way that helps you see hope and possibility rather than shame or defeat. This balance allows clients to feel safe and respected while also challenged to grow. 3. Equipping You with Practical Tools Another strength I bring is a wide variety of practical strategies—what I often call “tools for your mental toolbox.” These tools are designed to help you manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and approach challenges more effectively. For example, if you struggle with racing thoughts, I may teach you grounding techniques that bring you back to the present moment. If you find yourself reacting quickly out of frustration, we might practice pause-and-respond strategies rooted in Scripture and mindfulness. If you are overwhelmed by fear, I’ll share ways to reframe your thinking and replace lies with truth. The beauty of these tools is that you can take them with you outside of our sessions. My goal is not only for you to feel better when you are in the counseling room but also for you to feel equipped to handle challenges in everyday life. Over time, these tools become second nature, helping you stay steady and intentional even in stressful moments. 4. A Heart for the Next Generation I have a special heart for teenagers and young adults. These years are full of transition—figuring out identity, making important decisions, and navigating relationships. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I love working with people of all ages and in all stages of life. One of the greatest privileges of being a counselor is hearing someone’s story and creating a space where they feel fully seen, heard, and valued. While I work with a wide variety of concerns, I am best positioned to serve clients who are longing for a safe place to process what’s on their hearts, who are ready to be honest with themselves and others, and who are open to taking steps toward real change. My counseling is shaped by my Christian faith. I believe that God created each person with incredible worth and that lasting healing comes when we live in alignment with His truth. That said, my door is open to everyone. You do not need to share my faith to work with me. I will always meet you with compassion, respect, and a desire to understand your unique story. My role is not to force my beliefs on anyone, but to provide a safe space where hope, encouragement, and practical tools can be found. Many clients come into therapy feeling weighed down, tired, or even hopeless. They may have tried to hold everything together on their own, but inside they are exhausted from striving. Often, they simply need a place where they can exhale—where they don’t have to perform, impress, or explain away their struggles. I want every client who sits with me to know this truth: you are not alone, and there is no judgment here. Therapy is a place for honesty, compassion, and hope. Clients I Serve Best I am especially equipped to work with people who: Struggle with anxiety or overthinking. Many of my clients feel stuck in cycles of “what if” thinking, fear of mistakes, or a need to control outcomes. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, tension, or intrusive worries that interfere with daily life. I help clients uncover the root of these patterns, develop practical strategies, and, if they desire, explore how faith can provide peace in the midst of uncertainty. Feel pressure to react instead of respond. Some live constantly “on edge”—reacting out of stress, frustration, or fear. This damages relationships, fuels guilt, and creates distance from the life they want to live. I help clients pause, reflect, and learn to respond intentionally from their values, whether grounded in faith or personal principles. Want healthier, stronger relationships. I work with couples and individuals who face communication struggles, unmet expectations, or cycles of conflict. My goal is to help them express themselves with

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