I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate substance use disorders, trauma, and relationship challenges. My work is rooted in a holistic, trauma-informed approach that recognizes the complex connection between mental health, addiction, and family dynamics. I specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders using evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention. I also provide trauma-informed therapy to support clients in processing and healing from difficult experiences, and I incorporate family systems interventions to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relational bonds. My approach is client-centered, integrative, and collaborative. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard while developing personalized treatment plans that foster long-term recovery, emotional resilience, and meaningful change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can begin to feel heard and supported. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, relationship stress, or a major life transition—and clarify what you’d like to change or better understand. I’ll ask about your personal history, strengths, and support systems so we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You’re always in control of the pace, and there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. By the end of our first meeting, you’ll have a clearer sense of how therapy works, what our work together may look like, and practical next steps toward healing and lasting change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly heard and understood. Building genuine connection is central to my work, because meaningful change begins with feeling safe enough to be honest about what’s really going on. I specialize in substance use recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Using an integrative, evidence-based approach—including trauma-informed care, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and family systems therapy—I tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re working to break unhealthy patterns, strengthen relationships, set boundaries, or heal from past experiences, I focus on practical tools and deeper emotional insight to support lasting change. Clients often share that they feel deeply understood in our work together—and more confident navigating life outside of therapy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with those who are motivated to explore the underlying dynamics of their mental health and relational challenges, as well as those seeking to cultivate healthier connections and a deeper understanding of themselves and their loved ones.
Trauma Informed Care
About Me I am a Licensed Therapist with over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges related to substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based, and client-centered therapy that empowers clients to heal, grow, and thrive. Therapeutic Approach My approach is holistic and integrative, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Relapse Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care to support emotional wellness and sustainable recovery. I address the interconnection between mental health, addiction, trauma, and family systems, helping clients build insight, resilience, and healthier relationships. I also draw from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and Attachment-Focused Therapy to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and inner healing. Specializations ✅ Substance Use Disorders & Addiction Recovery – Expertise in CBT, motivational enhancement, relapse prevention, and dual-diagnosis treatment to support long-term sobriety. ✅ Trauma & PTSD Recovery – Skilled in trauma-informed, somatic, and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients process and release past pain safely. ✅ Family & Relationship Therapy – Experienced in family systems and communication-focused therapy to improve connection, understanding, and relational health. ✅ Anxiety, Depression & Life Transitions – Supportive strategies to manage stress, build coping skills, and restore balance. Therapeutic Style ✔ Client-Centered: I provide a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. ✔ Integrative: I tailor treatment plans to each client’s unique needs, blending therapeutic techniques for maximum effectiveness. ✔ Collaborative: I partner with clients to develop personalized strategies that foster empowerment, resilience, and lasting change. ✔ Strengths-Based: I help clients identify and build on existing strengths to achieve meaningful personal growth. Professional Experience With extensive experience in private practice, outpatient programs, hospital settings, and community mental health, I bring a comprehensive understanding of behavioral health across diverse populations. My work focuses on helping clients manage substance use, heal from trauma, improve communication, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and well-being.
1 rating with written reviews
July 1, 2025
She’s wonderful. Desiree empowers me to look at my options from different angles & provides support as I explore what they mean to me. She’s compassionate and understanding. She creates a safe space for me to process my emotions and provides support as I find my way through them.